Hamartia Antidote
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An internal conflict among Nio vehicle owners emerged since late Wednesday and continued to ferment with more than 6,800 car owners, by Thursday afternoon, participating in an online move opposing a joint announcement issued by about 500 Nio owners.
Most car owners said they don't want to be represented in the so-called "joint letter".
A car owner surnamed Chen said that the Chinese electric vehicle maker should offer warnings and professional training around the Navigate on Pilot (NOP) system - Nio's assisted driving feature, when they buy the car.
"I object to the joint statement because it only shows support for the company," Chen said.
On Wednesday, about 500 Nio owners issued a joint statement saying that the company's instruction for the NOP system isn't misleading or confusing, as alleged by some, adding they're fully aware that NOP is a driving assistance system rather than an autonomous driving or unmanned driving system.
Nio said it is a statement made by some Nio car owners, which has nothing to do with the company, and the exact number of Nio owners signing the statement is not known, caijing.com reported.
The statement is aimed at shedding a light on a heated debate over assisted driving and autonomous driving, Nio car owners said, following a recent fatal road accident involving Nio ES8 sport utility vehicle.
On Saturday, a WeChat account called "Meiyihao" published an obituary for its founder, Lin Wenqin, saying that he died on August 12 in a car accident. The release noted that Lin's vehicle, a Nio ES8, had its NOP in operation when the accident happened.
On Monday, Nio said it will not release information about the accident until an investigation is concluded by the local traffic control department.
There are six levels of driving automation ranging from Level 0 (fully manual) to Level 5 (fully autonomous) as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
The NOP belongs to the Level 2, meaning the driver should be in charge of the vehicle, instead of the other way around.
Wang Yao, assistant secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, told the Global Times on Thursday that it is understandable that consumers are concerned about the safety guaranteeing ability of Nio's assisted driving function.
He called on auto makers avoid overly promoting the high-tech functions to consumers and that it was important for driver to take necessary precautions to ensure their own personal safety.
