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China Bans Flush Door Handles: Safety Over Style?
3 Feb
Summary
- New Chinese regulations mandate accessible door handles from January 1, 2027.
- Flush handles are banned due to safety risks in crashes, trapping occupants.
- Existing car models have until January 1, 2029, to comply with the new rules.
Beginning January 1, 2027, new car models in China will no longer feature flush door handles. This regulatory shift mandates a specific recessed design for door operation, ensuring accessibility for first responders and occupants, particularly in crash scenarios involving airbag deployment or battery fires. The Chinese government is proactively addressing safety concerns that have previously led to occupant entrapment and fatalities.
Existing vehicle models currently on sale will have until January 1, 2029, to comply with these new door handle regulations. This extensive timeline allows automakers to redesign their affected models, impacting not only Chinese EV brands like Xiaomi but also global manufacturers such as BMW, Ferrari, and McLaren, if they wish to sell their vehicles in the crucial Chinese market. The primary objective is to prevent occupants from being trapped inside their vehicles following an accident.
