China to require new cars to have more physical controls; less touchscreen reliance

For the longest time, Chinese automakers have relied on touchscreen infotainment systems to handle most of a vehicle's in-car (and safety) functions. While most see this as a high-tech or simplistic approach in interior design, it's mostly to reduce complexity in vehicle production since there will be less wiring and programming required for multiple buttons inside a vehicle.

However, the over-reliance of Chinese auto brands on touchscreens means drivers must sometimes avert their eyes from the road while driving. This can lead to distracted driving, which can result in crashes and even fatalities in the most severe cases.

The Chinese government is stepping in, particularly the Ministry of Industry & Information Technology (MIIT), as it now intends to require automakers to install physical controls/buttons on certain vehicle functions. This is part of a revision of an existing national standard in China (GB4094-2016), AKA the Marking of Automotive Control Components, Indicators, and Signaling Devices.

The new update adds technical requirements for physical control components to ensure that vital functions are accessible, easy to use, and can be activated despite not seeing them directly by drivers. The revision itself started as early as 2023 and involves several testing institutions and automakers. These include: China Automotive Technology & Research Center, FAW-Volkswagen, BYD, and Great Wall Motor.

As for the vehicle functions that will require physical controls, a drafted list has been released for public comment and will include the following:

Lighting – turn signals, hazard warning lights, horn

Gear Shifting – P/R/N/D (on-screen is not allowed)

Driver Assistance – Activation switches for ADAS

Safety/Emergency – windshield wipers, defroster/defogger, power windows, accident emergency call system, electric vehicle power off switch

Other key requirements for more physical controls included fixed position, blind operation, haptic/auditory feedback, and reliability (basic functions must remain despite the vehicle losing power or in a crash).

The new requirement for more physical controls is expected to be mandatory for newly-manufactured vehicles beginning on July 1, 2026. We're curious to see how manufacturers will adjust their cabin designs to meet the new requirements.

Source: MIIT via CarNewsChina