China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles, Demands Mechanical Release by 2027

China will prohibit hidden exterior door handles on all cars sold domestically, making it the first country to do so. The new rules require a mechanical release for both exterior and interior door handles, with exterior handles operable from any angle and interior handles clearly visible, and they apply to all automakers (including Tesla and other Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Aion). The policy, citing safety and post-accident accessibility concerns, takes effect on January 1, 2027.