China has opened a public consultation on proposed vehicle rules covering features such as concealed door handles, expansive displays and reclining seats. The draft, put forward by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology with three other government bodies, was published for comment on October 10; submissions are due by November 10. The measures are proposals, not final rules.
For door handles that sit fully flush with the body, the draft calls for emergency mechanical access and enough clearance for a hand. A ban on fully concealed handles is already scheduled to take effect in China on January 1, 2027. While driving, vehicles would also have to disable zero-gravity reclining and rotating-seat functions. Automakers would be responsible for controlling what customized lighting systems display, while large infotainment screens, broad instrument displays and windshield information projection systems would face assessments of driver distraction and crash safety. Foldable and flexible screens would be prohibited. Headlights, wipers and defoggers would need physical controls as well as screen-based access.
From January 1, 2027, new models would require more technical documentation for approval and at least 30,000 km of reliability testing. Manufacturers of models already approved would have until July 1, 2027, to submit the required information; noncompliance could lead to production suspension and recalls. The Chinese requirements do not apply directly in Brazil, though the article notes that global vehicle designs could be reconsidered in response.