On the morning of March 26, a group of international media reporters from 11 countries, including Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Fiji, part of the CIPCC Hainan Tour co-organized by the China International Press Communication Center and the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province, headed to the Hainan Automobile Proving Ground. There, they sought to gain a deeper understanding of how intelligent connected vehicles perform in hot, humid conditions. They also hopped aboard vehicles being put through their paces to experience first-hand the rigorous testing they go through before going on sale. The visit to the automobile proving ground proved to be an eye-opening visit, revealing to the reporters aspects of China's automotive industry and standards that they were previously unaware of.

Participants of the CIPCC Hainan Tour visited Hainan Automobile Proving Ground, where they gained an in-depth understanding of the operation of intelligent connected vehicles in hot, humid conditions. (Photo: Yuan Yulong)

Mojca Pisek, a reporter from Slovenia's Delo newspaper, pointed to the partnerships that automakers have with the proving ground.

Wang Xuanfeng, technical director of Hainan Tropical Auto Testing Co., Ltd., responded that many Chinese automakers have already sent vehicles to the site for complete test cycles, with numerous vehicle OEMs also choosing to conduct specialized hot and humid environment testing here.

Pisek also inquired about the differences in testing between new energy vehicles (NEVs) and traditional ICE vehicles. Wang stated that, from the perspective of end-users, the items tested are generally similar. However, due to the differences in powertrain, NEVs require additional specialized tests such as battery and motor testing, high-voltage insulation safety testing, and underbody testing.

In response to questions from Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reporter Nikhil Kumar about the annual test volume and how faults found during testing are resolved, Wang stated that the site handles 1,500-2,000 vehicles annually. Differences in test items mean that vehicle testing cycles also vary, with general performance tests taking about 1 week and reliability tests requiring 3-5 months.

Do Thi Thu Hien, a reporter from the Vietnam News Agency TV channel, is interviewed. (Photo: Yuan Yulong)

Regarding fault resolution, the site offers three approaches: one provides the venue for automakers to discover and resolve faults on their own. The second approach allows automakers to provide testing methods and the on-site technicians to identify and troubleshoot the faults and issue a report, with the faults resolved by the automakers themselves. The last approach involves the automakers and the proving ground jointly developing a testing solution, with both parties discussing and resolving the faults together. Currently, the main focus is on the latter two approaches.

Shahrokh Saei, a reporter from Iran's Tehran Times, focused on the advantages of Chinese vehicles in terms of reliability and safety compared to those from developed countries. "As the world's largest auto exporter, China strictly adheres to international standards in quality control. Meanwhile, as consumers now view their vehicles as multimedia terminals, Chinese vehicles have obvious advantages in intelligence and entertainment while offering better value for money," explained Wang.

Saei also asked whether automakers needed to send vehicles for testing. Wang responded that while China has a list of mandatory testing items for vehicles, automakers also voluntarily conduct tests during the R&D process aimed at enhancing build quality, with most clients opting to carry out such tests.

Isu Tuvshin, a reporter from Mongolia's News.mn website, experiences how a car handles. (Photo: Yuan Yulong)

Isu Tuvshin, a reporter from Mongolia's News.mn website, wanted to learn about vehicle warranty periods, discovering that warranties for different vehicles generally range from 3 to 6 years. She also talked about how imported used vehicles are tested for the domestic market in Mongolia. Wang explained that China has annual roadworthiness inspection requirements. While inspection requirements vary according to the type and age of the vehicle, a yearly check is an essential requirement for all vehicles on the road.

Yao Daming, deputy general manager of Hainan Tropical Auto Testing Co., Ltd., stated that the visit by the international media reporters presented a rare opportunity to communicate with the wider world. He noted that these reporters, with their questions and concerns about China's auto industry, took the time to travel to Hainan and engage in in-depth discussions with representatives of Hainan Automobile Proving Ground.

International media reporters on the CIPCC Hainan Tour take part in vehicle testing. (Photo: Zheng Ziwei)

Yao explained that Hainan has distinct advantages when it comes to automobile testing thanks to its unique geographical location and environmental characteristics. Strikingly similar in climate and environment to countries in Southeast Asia and South America, Hainan is the perfect place to replicate conditions for automobile testing found in these places. The reporters and representatives of Hainan Automobile Proving Ground engaged in constructive discussions regarding the future and demands of testing, laying a solid foundation for subsequent exchanges with relevant departments and personnel in the reporters' home countries. When it comes to future cooperation, particularly in importing vehicles for testing, the Hainan FTP's favorable policies offer certain advantages.