China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) plans to require physical control buttons for functions such as activating turn signals, lowering power windows, and enabling advanced driver assistance systems. This new requirement is expected to apply only to newly manufactured vehicles starting July 1, 2027.
In recent years, Chinese new energy vehicles have followed a minimalist cockpit design trend. One key characteristic is the significant reduction of physical buttons, replaced by a large central screen that integrates most vehicle functions, and sometimes includes an additional entertainment screen for the front passenger. This widespread design was described by a vice president of Geely as “the Chinese automotive industry is plagued by a trend of blindly following trends.”
As part of the revision of the national standard GB4094—2016 “Marking of Automotive Control Components, Indicators, and Signaling Devices,” the updated version introduces new categories and technical requirements for physical control components. The goal is to ensure that key controls are accessible, usable, and operable without visual attention while driving, reducing reliance on screens and minimizing driver distraction.
The revision process began in 2023, involving major automotive manufacturers and testing institutions, including the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, FAW-Volkswagen, BYD, and Great Wall Motor. A draft for public consultation has now been completed and will be released soon, covering the following functions in particular:
Lighting: Turn signals, hazard lights, horn
Gear selection: P/R/N/D (screen-only gear selection is prohibited)
Driver assistance: Activation switch for advanced driver assistance systems
Safety/Emergency: Windshield wipers, defroster/defogger, power windows, Child/Accident Emergency Call System (AECS), and electric vehicle power shut-off switch
Additionally, detailed requirements for physical controls are specified, including size (effective operating area must be at least 10 mm × 10 mm), usability (fixed position, blind operation capability, tactile or audible feedback), and reliability (basic functions must remain available even if the vehicle system crashes or loses power).
Source: CarNewsChina
