Chinese regulators have ordered automakers to submit proactive recall plans for defects found through self-audits, escalating oversight during a year-long campaign to improve vehicle quality and safety. The directive follows Tesla and eight Chinese electric-vehicle makers announcing fixes on Aug. 21 affecting a combined 4.3 million vehicles in China’s largest-ever automotive recall, prompted by concerns over emergency door-release mechanisms. Automakers must conduct comprehensive reviews covering product quality, reliability, durability and the testing and validation of new technologies across their operations and key suppliers, then report to local authorities by the end of 2026. The audits will also examine advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous-driving technology, functional safety, cybersecurity, data security, software updates, incident monitoring and emergency response. The measures come as weakening domestic demand and a broader slowdown push China’s auto industry away from a prolonged price war and toward product quality and long-term competitiveness. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers separately warned that "irrational competition" could undermine production consistency, product safety and the sector’s high-quality development.