China proposes tighter rules on marketing of assisted-driving features

China's top market regulator is seeking public comment on draft rules that would tighten oversight of how automakers market assisted-driving systems, aiming to curb misleading claims that could encourage unsafe driving.

The State Administration for Market Regulation said in a notice Wednesday that companies must not imply assisted-driving features are equivalent to autonomous driving or claim capabilities that vehicles do not have.

Automakers should also avoid exaggerating performance in ways that could prompt drivers to operate vehicles at unsafe speeds, it said.

The regulator said it will step up inspections of advertising and marketing activities, target exaggerated claims about assisted-driving functions, and coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to conduct joint investigations.

It also plans to work with recall technical agencies to assess overstatement issues and take enforcement action where appropriate.