Chinese cars, after touch displays Beijing puts reclining seats on trial
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is assessing whether there are safety implications of not sitting upright. Also in the crosshairs are steering wheels and mega screens.
The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has warned of the risks posed by reclining seats, particularly those in electric models. After questioning retractable handles that will be banned from 2027, the ministry is targeting other solutions such as cloche steering wheels and mega screens. This is all part of the Ministry's broader control of the rapidly growing local automotive industry. In the future, Chinese safety regulations could probably influence the design of electric vehicles not only in the Chinese market.
The concerns about reclining seats seem well-founded
China has helped to launch new and even extreme trends in electric vehicles, but now the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology seems intent on running for cover. Concerns about reclining seats seem to be well-founded, because in the event of an accident, passengers travelling horizontally are not fully protected by seat belts and airbags because they can sink below the belt. Car manufacturers in China have, over time, turned car interiors into veritable lounges, tempting passengers to take a nap during the journey.
Public consultation open until 25 July
The regulatory authority fears that future cars may become mobile relaxation cabins and no longer just means of transport. So much so that it is inviting the public to express their opinion through a public consultation that is being held until 25 July. In addition to reclining seats, cloche steering wheels and screens that are too large and used on journeys are also affected.
The Ministry says it will consider other solutions such as headrests, but not only. The new regulations are justified by the many fatal accidents involving high-profile cars last year.
Concealed handles will be banned from 2027
Earlier this year, China banned retractable door handles after several incidents raised concerns about their malfunctioning in exits in the event of an accident. Apparently, retractable door handles even trapped passengers of a burning electric vehicle. Cloche steering wheels are also under scrutiny: it is feared that drivers have difficulty regaining control of the vehicle in an emergency. Also under scrutiny are single-pedal steering systems because drivers are too caught up in regenerative braking to react when they really need to brake.
