China is preparing draft rules that would tighten vehicle design validation and testing before new cars can be marketed, according to the report. Under the proposal, automakers would need to complete at least 30,000 km of reliability testing and test vehicles through a full year of seasonal conditions, including two cold seasons and one hot season. The requirements would apply to relevant vehicle types, including new-energy vehicles.
Testing would cover varied roads and loads, from damaged and ordinary roads to highways and mountain routes. The proposed checks also extend to fatigue resistance and performance under extreme conditions for bodies, frames, suspension, steering and brakes, as well as electrical systems, exhaust equipment, tires, wheels, lighting and corrosion protection. Issues found during tests would have to be corrected and tested again; unresolved safety risks or repairs lacking internal approval could prevent a registration application.
The draft also assigns automakers primary responsibility for testing and for the authenticity and completeness of results. Companies would need formal testing and R&D management systems, with plans specifying test methods, standards, schedules and responsible parties. Software, driver-assistance and autonomous-driving functions, and smart cockpits would be assessed in everyday use and potentially hazardous situations. Environmental testing would cover powertrains, chassis, electrical and thermal-management systems, energy storage and intelligent-driving systems. Alternative locations or climate chambers could be used when equally effective, but difficult-to-recreate combined conditions would still require road testing.