Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Avatr Technology has filed a lawsuit against social media influencer βZurich Beileyeβ (θι»δΈθ΄εη·) seeking damages of 10 million yuan (1.4 million USD) for allegedly misrepresenting facts about the companyβs aerodynamic testing procedures.
Legal action following a disputed apology
According to a statement released by Avatrβs legal department on May 13, 2025, the influencer published what was supposed to be an apology video. Instead, it continued to distort facts by claiming that Avatr used a prototype vehicle rather than a production model during its drag coefficient testing live stream.
βThe social media creator βZurich Beileyeβ has taken content out of context and deliberately created public confusion, further misleading the public about our test results and product recognition, causing additional damage to our brand image,β Avatr stated in their announcement.
Background of the dispute
The conflict began when the influencer questioned the validity of Avatrβs drag coefficient tests for their Avatr 12 model, suggesting potential falsification of results. In response, Avatr conducted drag coefficient tests and sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding the removal of all false statements and a public apology.
While the influencer did publish an apology video as requested, Avatr claims he selectively edited clips from their livestream to suggest they had used a prototype vehicle for testing, which sparked renewed criticism against the company.
Company clarification
Avatr has emphasised that the wind tunnel testing was conducted using a production version of the all-electric Avatr 12 model equipped with electronic side-view mirrors, not a prototype, as alleged. This clarification was published on the companyβs official social media accounts immediately after the tests were completed.
The company concluded its statement by warning that the internet is not beyond the reach of the law. It will continue to use legal means to protect the legitimate rights and interests of both the company and its users against rumours and defamation.
Editorβs comment
The rise of social media has prompted some content creators to take risks to gain traffic or influence, sometimes resorting to spreading misinformation. Following their drag coefficient tests, Avatrβs initial request to the blogger was relatively lenient, simply asking for an apology rather than pursuing financial compensation. However, the bloggerβs subsequent apology video came across asΒ insincere and opportunistic, leading Avatr to initiate more serious legal proceedings against them.
βBlack PRβ has recently become a significant challenge facing Chinese automakers. Due to theΒ extraordinarily intense competition in Chinaβs new energy vehicle sector, some companies resort to hiring βblack PRβ operatives to disparage competitorsβ products. This approach is particularly troubling because itβsΒ low-cost, highly effective, and extremely covert.
In response to this issue,Β Avatr has offered a substantial reward of 5 million yuan (694,400 USD) for information related to βblack PRβ activitiesΒ targeting their company. The prevalence of these negative publicity campaigns serves as a microcosm of the fierce competition currently characterising Chinaβs automotive industry.
