Great Wall Motors' CTO, Wang Yuanli, has once again taken aim at fellow Chinese automaker BYD. Wang took to social media on August 14, implying that no matter how grand a façade one puts up, inner panic cannot be hidden. His post was accompanied by three screenshots addressing BYD's response to investors regarding their vapor emission patent and a car blogger's claim that 9 out of 10 current BYD models have switched from atmospheric fuel tanks to high-pressure ones since May.
The issue surfaced during an August 9 ceremony for BYD's 5 millionth new energy vehicle. During the event, Wang Chuanfu, BYD's Chairman and President, stated, "Only together, are we China's auto industry." He showcased several domestic car brands at the event, including NIO, Great Wall, Chery, FAW Red Flag, Geely, XPeng, Li Auto, SAIC Motor, Dongfeng, Changan, and GAC Group. Wang Chuanfu frequently mentioned the "China auto" theme in his speech.
Several auto industry executives expressed their support for BYD's unity-themed promotional content, including top executives from leading Chinese EV startups, commonly referred to as "Nio, Xpeng, and Li Auto."
Li Xiang, founder and CEO of Li Auto, showed his admiration: "Salute to BYD! Applause for this pioneer of Chinese new energy vehicles! Kudos to every participant of the new energy era! In this great age, we walk together."
NIO's founder, chairman, and CEO, Li Bin, praised BYD's consistent efforts: "BYD's achievements are a victory for long-term vision. Learn from BYD. China's auto industry, let's power up together!"
XPeng Motors Chairman, He Xiaopeng, commended: "Kudos to Brother Chuanfu and BYD. Unity is quality and leadership. XPeng will continue to power forward."
However, deviating from the supportive sentiments of most automotive executives, Great Wall Motors' CTO Wang Yuanli highlighted the need to face competition directly and cautioned against moral entanglement.
On August 11, Wang shared an article on social media, stating, "In such grave times, how can China's auto industry be united? We must confront the reality of competition. We shouldn't be coerced into unity or blend emotions with legality. Business issues should be solved with business logic. If unity is only emphasized verbally, it's merely sweet talk hiding inner bitterness. It might be better to confront issues head-on first."
Later that day, Wang reiterated that the correct way for the Chinese auto industry to unite is by aligning values, not using emotional narratives to hide inherent weaknesses. He emphasized that China is first a rule-of-law society and then a sentimental society. Playing the emotional card should still adhere to laws and regulations.
This statement pointed to Great Wall Motors' previous reporting against BYD. Wang indicated that the Ministry of Ecology and Environment had initiated a joint investigation based on Great Wall's complaint against BYD.
In May, Great Wall Motors reported to several regulatory bodies, claiming that BYD models Qin PLUS DM-i and Song PLUS DM-i, which use atmospheric fuel tanks, may not meet the standards for evaporative emission of pollutants.
In response, BYD firmly opposed any form of unfair competition, stating that the test vehicles provided by Great Wall Motors were problematic and that BYD's products meet national standards. BYD also detailed the technology behind their atmospheric fuel tank's vapor emissions, reiterating compliance with evaporation emission regulations.
As of now, there have been no official investigation results regarding Great Wall Motors' complaints against BYD.
