June 4, 2026 – Great Wall Motors Chairman Wei Jianjun has fired back at the growing narrative that electric vehicles are nothing more than disposable consumer goods, calling the claim “absolute nonsense.”
Speaking in a recent media interview, Wei argued that regardless of powertrain, vehicles priced at hundreds of thousands of yuan are inherently durable goods — not fast-moving consumer products. He attributed the misconception to the current market environment, where rapid model cycles and routine price cuts have created an illusion that cars are becoming disposable. Wei noted this is simply the result of intense industry competition, not a fundamental shift in what a car is.
His stance echoes a similar argument made by Lu Fang, Chairman of Voyah Auto. In a widely circulated Weibo post, Lu declared: “A car has never been a fast-moving consumer good. It is, first and foremost, a means of transportation tied to personal and public safety — a responsibility heavier than Mount Tai.”
Lu emphasized that automobiles represent a major household investment with long-term usage expectations, making them high-value durable goods. While intelligent features have enhanced the driving experience, he stressed that the ultimate purpose of any in-vehicle technology should be to improve safety, stability, and longevity — not to chase the rapid refresh cycles typical of consumer electronics.
“We must not put the cart before the horse or let the disposable mindset of the gadget world steer us off course,” Lu wrote. “Every trip is not just a journey — it carries a family’s trust and the continuation of their lives.”
