China Proposes Ban on Hidden Door Handles Amid Sales Slump

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other government agencies have proposed draft rules to tighten vehicle design oversight and curb the release of inadequately tested innovative features. The proposal seeks to ban fully hidden car-door handles and foldable or flexible display screens, while prohibiting the use of swivel or zero-gravity seats while driving. The ministry mandates that safety-critical functions, including lights, windshield wipers, defogging systems, and emergency braking, must maintain physical controls and clear labels.

These regulations follow safety concerns regarding aerodynamic door handles that can fail during crashes, a risk highlighted by a fatal incident in Chengdu involving a burning Xiaomi EV where rescuers were unable to open the doors. For new models seeking approval starting January 1, 2027, manufacturers must provide detailed technical documentation. Previously approved models must submit supplementary information by July 1, 2027, or face production halts and recalls if safety hazards are identified.

The regulatory shift coincides with a downturn in the domestic market. Data from the China Passenger Car Association shows that passenger vehicle retail sales fell 24% year-on-year to 1.702 million units in September. New-energy vehicle sales also declined 12% to 1.141 million units, though they still accounted for 67.1% of retail sales. Cumulative retail sales for 2026 have reached 13.42 million units, representing a 21% decrease from the previous year.