On June 22, Final Verdict released an article titled 'Over 540 New Car Models Launched in the First Five Months' - A Case of Fake News! The piece highlighted that the purported comprehensive tally disseminated by certain online media outlets was, in fact, a mere publicity stunt, riddled with problems like duplicate counting and the inclusion of irrelevant entries.

Lately, some online media outlets have been amplifying the notion that 650 new car models made their debut in the domestic market during the first half of this year, a figure that is equally inaccurate.

The term 'new car' carries a precise definition. Variations in configurations or drive types of a single new car model should not be tallied as multiple distinct models. Similarly, models that are pre-sold but not yet officially launched should not be counted among the newly introduced cars. Even less so should models that have merely been unveiled but not launched or entered the market be considered new cars.

The term 'new car model' denotes a variant introduced by an automaker within its existing product range, featuring notable updates or innovations in design, technology, configuration, or powertrain. There are primarily the following categories:

Firstly, entirely novel models that have never existed before, carving out new market niches. Examples from the first half of this year encompass the BYD Tang, GAC Trumpchi GT7, Great Wall Haval H10, GAC Toyota bZ4X, Geely Galaxy M7, Zeekr 8X, Seres Aito M6, SAIC Shangjie Z7, and Leapmotor A10.

Secondly, models undergoing a vertical generation shift. The preceding generation has reached the end of its lifecycle, and the old model is discontinued upon the launch of the new one. Alternatively, both the old and new models may continue to be produced and sold simultaneously. According to statistics, only two vertical generation shift models were introduced domestically in the first half of this year: the all-new Li Auto L8 and the all-new Audi A6L family.

Thirdly, annual models and facelift models. These typically do not entail changes to the molds but mainly involve additions or reductions in configurations, new colors, or very minor exterior modifications, without fundamental technological alterations.

Based on relevant statistics, in the first half of this year, no more than 20 entirely novel models were introduced domestically. There were merely two vertical generation shift models. And there were 39 annual models and facelift models. Summing up these three categories, there were only 61 models in total.

How did the claim of 650 new car models launched in the first half of the year arise? The information originates from so-called comprehensive counts on several online platforms. This comprehensive count erroneously treats minor modifications and different versions of the same model as new car models, a highly unprofessional approach that has been labeled by the industry as a 'minor modification, major hype' tactic for generating web traffic. This comprehensive count not only misleads consumers but also misinforms the industry and related institutions. (End)