As sales slow, carmakers in China turn to overt marketing tactics and face controversy

Chinese carmakers’ marketing tactics are under the spotlight after a controversy surrounding a comment by an Xpeng employee drew harsh criticism from middle-aged consumers. The incident comes as regulators step up quality checks on the reliability of automotive companies, according to industry officials and analysts. During a live-streamed new model launch ceremony on October 15, an Xpeng product manager used the term “Lao Deng” – a slang term referring to middle-aged people who appear to be...