The AIAT C-Mute concept car suffered a catastrophic electrical failure when a short circuit occurred during a testing session. Reports from car house.com.cn indicate that a special commission concluded a brand employee had disconnected the vehicle from an external power source and initiated the car’s electronic systems. Subsequently, other workers reconnected the charging cable and began debugging programs on the newly powered machine, which led to a short circuit.
Officials confirmed that the AIAT C-Mute was on display at the Guangzhou International Auto Show when the incident happened, on December 29. Fire crews responded promptly, extinguishing the blaze, but the car sustained extensive damage. The fire also damaged part of the exhibition pavilion as a dramatic illustration of the concept’s fragility when power systems are mishandled.
In related industry news, Chinese automaker Great Wall showcased the Great Wall Shanhai Cannon pickup at the Guangzhou Motor Show, announcing that deliveries would commence to customers in the near term. The contrast between these two moments at the same event underscored the varied realities facing carmakers as they balance bold engineering concepts with rigorous safety protocols and production timelines.
Industry observers note that prototype concepts often involve complex power management sequences, integrated software work, and extensive testing to ensure reliability before public展示. When demonstrations go awry, it can prompt a reassessment of procedures, hardware safeguards, and staff training. The Guangzhou incident has already sparked discussions about incident reporting, on-site engineering practices, and the responsibility of manufacturers to maintain safe, controlled environments during high-profile reveals. This event does not diminish the value of concept exploration; it simply highlights the importance of disciplined workflow, clear power isolation, and robust debugging practices during live demonstrations. Attribution: information sourced from car house.com.cn and subsequent industry analyses.