China launches biggest ever auto recall campaign over door handle safety

BEIJING: Eleven carmakers, including Tesla and Xiaomi, launched software updates and vehicle recalls on Friday (Aug 21), the companies said, in China's largest-ever automotive recall campaign, as regulators tighten scrutiny of emergency door-release systems in electric vehicles.Most of the actions, classified as product recalls under Chinese regulations, address concerns that emergency mechanical door release handles may be difficult to locate or operate during emergencies.Nine of the 11 automakers, including Tesla and Xiaomi, will install warning labels free of charge to identify the handles, while most will also deploy over-the-air (OTA) software updates.The sweeping campaign comes as Beijing steps up oversight of the EV industry and introduces tougher safety requirements, as automakers