Li Auto CEO Li Xiang accused rival Dongfeng Nissan of orchestrating a black PR smear campaign. The allegations claim numerous online accounts posted misleading comparisons and fabricated data to discredit Li Auto products. This activity coincided with the market launch of Dongfeng Nissan’s NX8 SUV.
Li Auto submitted evidence of the campaign to public security authorities. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) subsequently summoned representatives from both automakers for regulatory talks.
The intervention highlights escalating tensions within China’s slowing new energy vehicle (NEV) market. Regulators have not yet determined final findings regarding the dispute.