Maextro V800 Brake Tests Trigger JAC Share Price Drop

Reported Brake Failures Put JAC Shares Under Pressure

Maextro V800 Brake Tests became a major discussion point on Chinese social media after Dongchedi reported repeated brake pedal bracket failures during emergency braking evaluations. Shares of Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp (JAC, SSE: 600418) fell to the daily limit on Thursday, ending the morning session at 24.72 yuan, a decline of 10.01%. The drop reversed several consecutive sessions of gains. The reported failures have raised questions about vehicle safety and testing procedures, although the descriptions came from the testing team and no official investigation findings had been released at the time of publication.

Three Vehicles Reportedly Experienced Brake Bracket Failures

Dongchedi released a test video saying that all three Maextro V800 vehicles used in its emergency braking evaluations suffered brake pedal bracket failures. The tests involved repeated emergency stops from 100 km/h to a standstill. The bracket on the first vehicle reportedly broke during its third braking attempt, while the second vehicle experienced a failure during its fourth attempt. A third new vehicle purchased afterward reportedly suffered the same type of failure during its second attempt, according to the testing team's video and descriptions.

Failures Reportedly Required Emergency Braking Function

According to the testing video, the reported bracket failures prevented the vehicles from being stopped normally through the brake pedal. Testers instead used the emergency braking function activated through the Park control to bring the vehicles to a stop. The reports have prompted debate about vehicle safety, the intensity of the testing procedure, and whether repeated high-intensity braking accurately represents real-world driving conditions. Some Chinese social media users called for an investigation by JAC, while others questioned whether the testing conditions were directly comparable with applicable safety requirements.

JAC and Huawei Have Not Commented

The reported brake failures remain based on the testing team's account, and no official investigation conclusions had been released when the report was published. JAC and Huawei's HIMA, or Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance, had not commented on the matter. Maextro is jointly developed by Huawei and JAC and occupies the top position within HIMA's brand portfolio. The absence of official findings means the reported failures and their underlying cause remain subject to further verification, while the social media discussion continues to focus on both vehicle safety and the methodology used in the emergency braking tests.

Maextro V800 Targets the High-End MPV Market

The Maextro V800 was launched on August 5 as a flagship MPV, with announced launch prices ranging from 766,000 yuan ($113,710) to 1,016,000 yuan. The model targets the high-end business mobility market and competes in a segment that includes the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM. JAC has repeatedly said it will concentrate resources on supporting Maextro's commercial success, while Chairman Xiang Xingchu has said the company plans to continue investing in the ultra-luxury market and expand the brand's product lineup. The reported testing issue therefore comes as JAC seeks to establish the new brand in China's premium mobility segment.

JAC Shares Had Recently Recorded Strong Gains

The limit-down move followed a period of consecutive gains in JAC shares. In an announcement issued on the evening of September 30, the company said the cumulative deviation in its daily closing-price gains had exceeded 20% over the three consecutive trading days of September 28, 29 and 30. JAC also confirmed that it had discussed potential cooperation with Huawei and Stellantis. However, the company said that neither the scope nor the form of those potential arrangements had been determined and that no legally binding formal agreement had been signed at that time. JAC emphasized that further progress remained subject to significant uncertainty.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The reported brake bracket failures create a significant verification issue for JAC because Maextro is positioned as an ultra-luxury brand where safety performance and product confidence are central to market acceptance. The immediate share-price reaction shows that safety-related testing reports can also affect investor sentiment when a company is undergoing rapid brand and product expansion. Further technical examination by JAC and relevant parties will be important for determining whether the reported failures resulted from a component issue, testing conditions, or another factor. The findings could influence confidence in the Maextro V800 and the broader commercial development of the brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened during the reported Maextro V800 brake tests?
Three Maextro V800 vehicles reportedly experienced brake pedal bracket failures during repeated emergency braking tests conducted by Dongchedi. The testing involved stops from 100 km/h to a standstill, with reported failures occurring during the second, third, and fourth braking attempts depending on the vehicle. According to the testing team's video, the failures prevented normal braking through the pedal, requiring testers to use the emergency braking function activated through the Park control. JAC and Huawei's HIMA had not released official investigation findings when the report was published.