Ideal Automobile, China Automotive Research and Eastwind Group Apologize!
On August 6th, 2025, a massive public outcry was sparked by a collision test, which has finally come to an end with Ideal Automobile, China Automotive Research, and Eastwind Group issuing a joint statement.
Earlier tonight, Ideal Automobile, China Automotive Research, and Eastwind Group jointly released a statement on the incident involving the Ideal i8's collision test. Prior to this, the Ideal i8 had used an Eastwind Group-branded vehicle as a "moving crash barrier" in third-party collision tests, which led to concerns over testing standards and brand risks. After thorough communication, all parties reached a consensus to clarify the facts, dispel misunderstandings, and prevent similar disputes.
Ideal Automobile stated in its statement that this test aimed to verify and enhance the passive safety performance of the Ideal i8, without targeting any other brand's safety or quality performance. Ideal Automobile acknowledged that the testing process and related content transmission led to Eastwind Group's Dragon-branded vehicle being dragged into negative public sentiment, causing brand image damage and misunderstandings among customers and the public, for which it sincerely apologizes and promises to take measures to prevent similar disputes.
China Automotive Research, as the executing agency, pointed out in its statement that it did not provide timely and clear explanations to the public on the use of Eastwind Group's used vehicle as a "moving crash barrier" meeting specific standards, which does not constitute an assessment of the product's safety. China Automotive Research apologizes for incomplete information release and recognizes insufficient process control, promising to improve test management mechanisms in the future, adhere to scientific, objective principles, and strengthen industry credibility.
As the party affected by this incident, Eastwind Group emphasized its commitment to upholding "independence, self-strengthening, and innovative development" as an enterprise spirit and "high-quality and reliable" quality philosophy, insisting on legal and regulatory operations, focusing on core technology innovation, service upgrades, and providing customers with reliable transportation solutions.
"We are aware of the importance of resisting unfair competition, adhering to our bottom line for lawful and regulatory operations, and upholding the principles of truth-seeking and fact-based decision-making. We will contribute our strength to China's historic leap from an automotive power to a strong one."
The three parties jointly advocate for industry self-regulation, calling on all parties involved in research and development, testing, and promotion to adhere to honesty, eliminate negative comparisons, and resist unfair competition. Testing institutions should ensure that test processes are rigorous and information is complete; the entire industry needs to focus on improving vehicle safety performance, breaking through core technologies, and optimizing user experiences to drive high-quality industrial development. Ideal Automobile, China Automotive Research, and Eastwind Group promise to work together to build a safe, technological, and honest automotive ecosystem, driving China's automotive industry forward.
Image source: Eastwind Group Car