- BYD secured a final court ruling against an EV blogger over false defect allegations.
- Chinese automakers are intensifying efforts against malicious online smear campaigns.
BYD has secured a final legal victory in a high-profile defamation lawsuit against an automotive social media blogger accused of damaging the company’s commercial reputation through fabricated claims about vehicle defects. The blogger, known online as “龙哥讲电车” or “Brother Long Talks EVs,” was ordered by the court to publicly apologize and pay compensation totaling 2 million yuan, equivalent to approximately $293,510. The case marks one of the largest compensation awards issued in a commercial reputation infringement dispute within China’s automotive industry.
The blogger released a public apology video on May 16 through his personal social media account, acknowledging the court’s decision. The legal dispute originated in October 2023 after BYD filed a lawsuit alleging that the blogger and related accounts had repeatedly spread misleading information targeting the company’s core component systems. According to court findings, the published content contained fabricated defect allegations that negatively impacted the automaker’s brand image and market reputation.
The court concluded that the deliberate spread of false information constituted unfair competition under applicable legal standards. Judicial authorities determined that the blogger’s actions exceeded the boundaries of legitimate product criticism and online commentary. The compensation awarded in the case is considered the highest for this category of commercial reputation disputes in the country’s automotive sector, reflecting a broader crackdown on malicious online activities commonly referred to as “black PR” campaigns.
The blogger, who publicly claims to possess more than a decade of automotive repair experience, is also facing legal action from multiple automakers over similar allegations. Court records indicate that cumulative compensation claims and penalties involving the individual now exceed 2.26 million yuan. The series of lawsuits highlights increasing tensions between vehicle manufacturers and content creators in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry.
Another Chinese automaker, Seres, also recently obtained a favorable ruling against the same blogger after the court found that consumers had been misled through selective editing techniques and manipulated presentation of vehicle-related content. In that case, the blogger was ordered to pay 160,000 yuan in damages. An apology statement addressed to Seres was published on May 11, and compensation obligations were reportedly completed following the ruling.
In addition to the concluded dispute, another compensation claim filed by Seres against the blogger remains under judicial review. Meanwhile, Xpeng had earlier secured a separate court victory after authorities ruled that malicious statements distributed by the blogger’s affiliated company exceeded the acceptable scope of ordinary product reviews and commentary. The court ordered compensation of 100,000 yuan in that case.
Major Legal Actions Against the EV Blogger
The following table summarizes the recent legal rulings involving major Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and the blogger accused of spreading defamatory content.
| Automaker | Court Outcome | Compensation Ordered |
|---|---|---|
| BYD | Final victory with public apology ruling | 2 million yuan |
| Seres | Consumer misinformation confirmed | 160,000 yuan |
| Xpeng | Malicious remarks exceeded review limits | 100,000 yuan |
China’s highly competitive electric vehicle market has witnessed growing concerns regarding misleading online narratives and fabricated controversies aimed at attracting public attention. Industry participants and regulators have intensified coordinated efforts to counter these practices. In September last year, six government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, launched a joint campaign focused on tackling false advertising, malicious attacks, and online misinformation targeting automotive companies operating in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did BYD sue the EV blogger in China?
BYD filed the lawsuit after accusing the blogger of spreading fabricated information about defects in the company’s core vehicle component systems. The court determined that the content harmed BYD’s commercial reputation and constituted unfair competition under Chinese law. Authorities ruled that the allegations exceeded the limits of legitimate product criticism and involved the dissemination of false claims. As a result, the blogger was ordered to issue a public apology and pay 2 million yuan in compensation following the final court decision.
What is the significance of the BYD court victory?
The ruling is considered one of the largest compensation awards in a commercial reputation infringement case within China’s automotive sector. The decision reflects growing efforts by automakers and regulators to combat misleading online content and coordinated smear campaigns commonly referred to as “black PR.” The case also demonstrates stricter judicial scrutiny of social media content creators accused of publishing false or manipulated vehicle-related information that may influence consumers or damage brand credibility in the competitive EV market.
Which other automakers filed cases against the blogger?
In addition to BYD, Chinese automakers Seres and Xpeng also pursued legal action against the same blogger over alleged defamatory and misleading content. Courts ruled in favor of both companies, with Seres receiving 160,000 yuan in damages and Xpeng securing compensation of 100,000 yuan. Another lawsuit filed by Seres is still under judicial review. These cases collectively highlight the automotive industry’s stronger legal response to misinformation and harmful online narratives targeting vehicle manufacturers in China.
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