The People's Daily, the Communist Party's flagship newspaper, urged the public not to undervalue China's technological advances after Tesla's "flying car" demonstration. The newspaper published the commentary on Wednesday amid online debate about China's standing in the global automotive industry. Some participants worried that China was falling behind. However, other participants dismissed Tesla's vehicle as an elaborate toy.
Tesla unveiled a second-generation Roadster last week equipped with thrusters developed with SpaceX, the rocket company headed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Footage showed the sports car ascending a curved ramp, turning upside down while airborne and returning to the ground on the car's wheels. Tesla said the company planned to start production in 2028.
The People's Daily urged the public not to disparage China's new energy vehicle industry or discount the industry's accomplishments. The commentary said regulations, possible applications and safety certification remained uncertain. The newspaper characterized the vehicle as a refined demonstration of a concept rather than a practical everyday car.
China Passenger Car Association secretary general Cui Dongshu similarly characterized Tesla's vehicle as a stunt rather than a practical commuting option. Cui said briefly leaving the ground did not constitute sustained flight. Cui said rules governing road vehicles and airspace would constrain public use. Cui characterized the technology as an engineering experiment, distinct from China's development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban transport at low altitudes.
The People's Daily cited Xpeng's Land Aircraft Carrier, which had attracted more than 7,000 pre-orders by April. The vehicle has six wheels and carries a detachable passenger aircraft. The commentary also cited BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme supercar, which achieved a record maximum speed of 496.2 km/h (308.3 mph). The newspaper highlighted CATL's third-generation Shenxing battery, which can reach a full charge in six minutes at room temperature.
The People's Daily cited China's 35.6% share of automotive patent publications worldwide as evidence of China's innovative capacity. The commentary argued that competition speeds technological breakthroughs. The newspaper said Tesla's Shanghai factory had stimulated progress among domestic manufacturers. The commentary also said China's open automotive industry had consistently been willing to compete internationally.
Tesla's Flying Car Sparks Debate in China, Officials Highlight Domestic Innovations
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Summary
Tesla's flying car sparks debate in China, with officials emphasizing homegrown tech. The People's Daily urged the public to recognize domestic progress, citing Xpeng, BYD, and CATL. The paper called Tesla's model a concept, not a practical solution, due to regulatory and safety issues. Cui Dongshu of the China Passenger Car Association also dismissed it as a stunt, contrasting it with China's eVTOL efforts. The securities vs commodities debate remains active in liquidity and crypto markets.
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