China’s Tofu-Dreg EVs Dark Secrets: New BYD Exploded in Less Than a Week | Non-deploying Airbags 2023-09-29 19:36

It's okay to be damaged to this extent. It's normal. After all, it's a car accident, and this level of damage isn't considered severe. However, what's truly concerning is… Out of 7 airbags, 6 didn't deploy. BYD's representatives even said it wasn't hit in the right spot. That response really took everyone by surprise. So, the car needs to be hit in the right spot for the airbags to deploy? My question is, why didn't the airbags deploy? Are your airbags placed under the seat or something? It's a headline we've seen all too often. Severe vehicle damage, yet airbags remain undeployed. Car manufacturers, in their defense, often trot out explanations like, the angle of impact wasn't right, or the force didn't meet the threshold. But these explanations are often ignored, and led to more skepticism and mockery. Social media is rife with comments like, so airbags deploy conditionally, but they take our money unconditionally. Now, when it comes to BYD, a prominent Chinese automaker, the narrative takes a twist. Why is it that people seem almost eager to see BYD falter? Ironically, some of BYD's harshest critics are its own customers. Dive into BYD's official app, and you'll find a sea of grievances. Issues range from unreliable batteries to poor customer service, and lackluster post-purchase support. Some argue that the brand's reputation is merely a result of hype. The discontent is palpable. Such experiences have eroded the trust of many loyal customers, making them think twice about their allegiance to the brand. The right-side blind-spot camera became blurry just days after purchase. The brake pedal's initial response was sluggish, but the latter part was overly aggressive. High-speed driving resulted in steering wheel vibrations, while low-speed driving made the steering feel excessively heavy. In low-speed drives, the activation of the air-conditioning compressor led to sudden acceleration. A malfunctioning rear wiper water pump and a leaky front radar sensor were among the issues after rain or car washes. The car's suspension was like that of a boat, offering a less-than-ideal driving experience. From a malfunctioning brake light switch that caused a complete power outage to a non-illuminating cruise control button on the steering wheel, there were a lot of electrical problems. Earlier this year, a tragic incident involving a BYD Han made headlines. The vehicle caught fire after a highway collision, resulting in the tragic death of its driver. While accidents happen, what followed was a masterclass in PR deflection by BYD, leaving many questions unanswered and genuine concerns brushed aside. And then there's the curious case of the Toyota Hybrid owner. An enthusiast who, after years of research and hands-on experience, often shares insights about Toyota's hybrid technology online. Yet, every time he brings up the subject, he's met with skepticism, often from BYD's ardent fans. They argue that BYD's technology is superior, often dismissing data and real-world experience. BYD has been accused of various missteps, price hikes, resistance to price reductions, quality issues, and even exploiting its employees. Their PR moves, especially in the face of criticism, has been less than stellar. And then there's the fanbase. Some BYD enthusiasts tout the company's environmental initiatives, like their carbon-neutral goals. But when faced with criticism, these fans often become aggressive defenders, sometimes resorting to personal attacks. Profitability drives businesses, but in the automotive world, the true benchmarks are transparency, safety, and innovation. As the landscape evolves, all eyes are on BYD to see if they align with these core principles. In the world of automotive marketing, few strategies are as polarizing as the aggressive patriotic campaigns championed by companies like BYD. While tapping into national pride can be a powerful tool, it's a delicate balance. Huawei, another Chinese giant, faced backlash for similar tactics, particularly their alleged use of excessive online troll armies. Under this fervent fanbase's influence, any criticism of BYD is quickly labeled as disrespect towards domestic products or blind admiration for foreign brands. But one user put it, I just want a reliable, fuel-efficient car. Don't use patriotism to guilt trip me into buying. True patriotism goes beyond slogans. It's reflected in how a company treats its workforce. While BYD's average worker earns between 5,000 to 8,000 yuan, which is around 685 to 1,100 US dollars, Tesla's Chinese workers enjoy a more generous package. With a four-day workweek rotating shifts, a basic monthly salary of 5,000 plus was up to 17 annual bonuses, and an average monthly income nearing 10,000 yuan, almost 1,400 US dollars, Tesla seems to be setting a standard. Add to that the benefits like insurance, free meals, and transportation, and the difference becomes even more apparent. Rumors suggest that when Tesla initially planned its Shanghai factory, the proposed starting salary was 13,000 yuan. However, potential industry implications led to recommendations to slash this figure to just under 6,000 yuan. In the automotive world, originality is gold. But for BYD, it seems the playbook is different. For over two decades, they've been inspired by others, and their recent European ventures are no exception. The BYD Dolphin? A spitting image of Hyundai's ix35. The BYD Seal? It's like they've had a Tesla Model 3 on the design table. China's bursting with engineering talent. They've got experts who've delved deep into the intricacies of race car dynamics. So why is BYD still playing catch-up, mimicking designs from years ago? It's like they're stuck in a loop, forever tracing the footsteps of giants. But here's the kicker. BYD had a head start. Before Tesla set foot in China, BYD had the tech, the talent, and the market. They could've been pioneers, leading China's electric revolution. But instead, they played safe, chasing subsidies and marketing dreams. And when they did innovate, it felt like too little, too late. One has to wonder, where did all those research dollars vanish to? Copying might get you through school, but in the real world, it's the thinkers, the innovators, the risk-takers that thrive. As BYD and other giants like Huawei bask in their PR glory, one can't help but ask, is this the best they've got? Or is it time for a genuine leap forward? In the high-stakes game of the automotive industry, reputation is everything. And for BYD, recent events have raised more than a few eyebrows. When Tesla increased employee wages, certain Chinese media outlets labeled it as malicious pay hikes. When Tesla slashed prices, the same voices cried malicious price cuts. Coincidence? Or is there a puppet master, perhaps a local competitor like BYD, pulling the strings behind these media narratives? But here's the real shocker. While the media circus played out, BYD's PR team remained eerily quiet. No clarifications, no statements, nothing. A missed opportunity that left their brand reputation hanging in the balance. Fast forward to the Chinese automotive industry's pact against price cuts, signed by 16 major players. The motive? Clear as day. Chinese domestic brands are feeling the heat, fearing that another Tesla price cut might push them out of the market. And while BYD stands as Tesla's most formidable local rival, their silence paints a different picture. To the average consumer, it looks like BYD is ganging up with the old guard against the innovative newcomer. Instead of rising to the challenge, they seem to be suppressing competition. A move that's not just bad PR, but bad for business. BYD's president recently dismissed autonomous driving as mere nonsense. Meanwhile, Tesla's autopilot is setting industry standards. Elon Musk himself stated that without self-driving, Tesla's valuation would plummet. In a world racing towards autonomous vehicles, BYD's reluctance to join the fray is baffling. Are they content being the non-smart EV brand while Tesla takes the smart crown? If so, they're leaving money on the table. A lot of it. BYD's marketing tactics have also raised eyebrows. Their blade battery puncture test might look impressive, but it's a smoke screen. Real battery safety lies in efficient cooling and protection mechanisms, areas where BYD has faced criticism. In the end, as the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. But some boats, it seems, are determined to anchor themselves to the past. BYD has a choice, evolve or risk being left behind. In August, BYD faced significant backlash, securing 6 spots in the top 10 car complaints rankings. What's more, the top 5 positions were all occupied by BYD models. Owners of the Song Plus, Han, Tang, Song Pro, and the Destroyer 05 reported a troubling trend. Despite being in EV mode, their engines would spontaneously start after refueling or covering a distance of 200-300km, even when the battery was nearly full at 98%. BYD's defense? Their customer service brushed it off as a design feature, essential for clearing the carbon canister. They referenced their manual, which indicates that extended periods of engines being dormant could result in carbon canister saturation, risking fuel leaks. However, this justification didn't sit well with many disgruntled owners. What's the real reason behind these issues? In truth, Great Wall Motors singled out BYD's Qin and Song DMI models, accusing them of violating emission standards because of their use of standard atmospheric pressure fuel tanks. Rather than openly addressing the allegations or initiating recalls, BYD opted for a stealthier approach. They rolled out an over-the-air software update, tweaking the engine's startup protocol. This adjustment aimed to make the carbon canister in their standard fuel tanks mimic the performance of those in high pressure tanks, seemingly to validate their choice of atmospheric pressure fuel tanks. This covert move, however, drew criticism from owners, fearing it could lead to more frequent maintenance and subsequently, higher fuel and upkeep expenses. The implications of this engine autostart in hybrid models aren't just about wasting fuel. Frequent engine starts means the car undergoes maintenance as if it's operating under severe conditions. Imagine changing the engine oil every 3,000km. The cost of ownership would skyrocket. The most alarming part? This issue has been on the radar for 3 months, with a vast number of affected models and a wide range of complaints across various platforms. The recent mandatory update, which users couldn't decline and were not notified about, raises concerns about transparency and user choice. While BYD's self-reliance strategy might seem advantageous, it's not without its drawbacks. Take their lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, for instance. While they're most cost-effective, they have a lower energy density. Most automakers use these for their smaller, more affordable vehicles, reserving the higher-performing ternary lithium batteries for their luxury models. Yet BYD continues to use its own batteries even in its high-end million-yuan vehicles. This approach might boost BYD's short-term profits, but it's also leading to a significant accumulation of fixed assets. With a debt-to-asset ratio standing at 77%, and a mere 55 billion yuan in cash reserves, BYD's financial stability is on shaky ground, especially when juxtaposed with Tesla's impressive $230 billion cash cushion and a healthier 42% debt-to-asset ratio. Furthermore, as EV technology evolves, plug-in hybrids, a major segment for BYD, are predicted to become outdated within the next 5 years. Should BYD's sales begin to wane, the flaws in its strategy will be glaringly exposed. For perspective, China's FAW group spent two decades restructuring its parts system, eventually leading to the creation of three separate listed companies. BYD might not have the luxury of time, with potentially just 5 years to adapt. The pressure is on, and the challenges are only intensifying.