China Bans ‘Autonomous Driving’ Claims From Car Marketing Following Crash

China has banned marketing terms like "smart driving" and "autonomous driving" after a fatal accident involving an assisted vehicle. Regulators are also implementing stricter rules for over-the-air updates to prevent unsafe testing on car owners. Starting in 2026, new battery safety standards will be enforced. This move highlights the swift policy changes possible in China's single-party system compared to democratic countries like the U.S., where such regulations might face legal challenges. Tesla has been criticized for its marketing of "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving," which some drivers overestimate, leading to accidents. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board is investigating Tesla's Smart Summon feature due to safety concerns.