FYI: A Chinese court has ruled that Tesla’s braking system is effective and fault-free, upholding the EV maker’s victory over protesters stemming from the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show incident.
Tesla’s Braking System Cleared by Chinese Court, Protesters Held Liable for Defamation
A recent decision by a Chinese court has affirmed that Tesla’s vehicle braking system is "effective without any faults." This judgment is the latest development in the protracted legal battle involving Tesla and individuals behind the conspicuous protest at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show.
The 2021 Shanghai Auto Show Incident
Tesla’s participation in the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show was dramatically disrupted by a protest led by Anyang Zhang, a Tesla Model 3 owner who alleged that her vehicle had suffered a "brake failure." Following this high-visibility protest, Tesla China found itself embroiled in a legal conflict with Zhang, culminating in a court ruling in late May favoring the electric vehicle maker. The Shanghai Qingpu District People’s Court mandated that Zhang apologize to Tesla and pay approximately RMB 172,275 (over $23,000) in damages.
Legal Developments and Court Rulings
In a further update reported by Sina Finance, the court has delivered a second-instance judgment concerning Tesla’s defamation case against Xi’an Li, who had supported Zhang during the protest. An assessment by a judicial appraisal agency, authorized by the court, found no faults with Tesla’s braking system.
According to the report, "The current technical condition of Tesla’s vehicle braking system is normal and effective without any faults."
Consequences for the Protesters
Zhang’s public demonstration at the auto show led to immediate repercussions. After mounting the display vehicle, she was removed by security and subsequently detained by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau for disrupting public order. Xi’an Li received an administrative warning for her role in the protest.
Tesla’s legal actions targeted both protesters. In November 2023, the court held Li accountable for defamation against Tesla China in its initial judgment, requiring her to issue a public apology, cover Tesla’s vehicle appraisal expenses, and pay damages amounting to RMB 2,000 ($281). The recent judgment increased this penalty to RMB 70,000 ($9,780).
Zhang, required to apologize and pay over $23,000 in damages, is reportedly planning to appeal the court’s decision, indicating her ongoing resistance.
Summary
The affirmation of Tesla’s braking system’s reliability by the Chinese court marks a significant legal victory for the EV manufacturer amidst its continuing expansion in the market. This case underlines the stringent scrutiny and legal hurdles that automotive companies can face, further emphasizing the importance of upholding technical integrity in the industry.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
