Quick Highlights:
- Chinese court orders influencer to pay ₹40 lakh (300,000 Yuan) in Maextro S800 defamation case.
- Original compensation demand was 1 million Yuan (₹1.33 crore).
- Influencer accused Maextro’s promotional tests of being “rigged”.
- Courts in China increasingly siding with carmakers against defamatory content.
Chinese Influencer Faces ₹40 Lakh Penalty in Maextro Defamation Case
A Chinese court has ruled in favour of Huawei’s Maextro luxury car brand in a high-profile defamation case against a social media influencer. The court has ordered the influencer to issue a public apology and pay 300,000 Yuan (approximately ₹40 lakh) in damages.
While the lawsuit initially demanded 1 million Yuan (₹1.33 crore), the court settled on a significantly lower amount. Even so, the verdict sends a strong message to content creators in China’s fast-growing automotive digital ecosystem.
In my view, this case reflects a growing tension between aggressive marketing and aggressive commentary — and courts are increasingly stepping in to draw the line.
Background: The Maextro S800 Controversy
The case revolves around the Maextro S800, a flagship luxury sedan developed jointly by Huawei and JAC Motors.
Positioned as an ultra-luxury offering competing with models like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and Rolls-Royce Phantom, the S800 has quickly established itself in China’s premium segment.
Key Details About the S800
- Official launch: May 30, 2025
- Deliveries began: August 2025
- Variants: Four
- Prices: 708,000 Yuan to 1.018 million Yuan
- Cumulative sales: 14,000+ units
- December sales alone: 4,376 units
The S800 is marketed with advanced capabilities, including:
- Crab walk function
- Satellite calling capability
- Unique suspension system designed to glide over potholes
The Viral Video That Sparked Legal Action
In early 2025, Maextro released promotional videos comparing the S800 with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. One demonstration showed the S800 gliding over potholes filled with sand, water and a square glass panel — without disturbing the contents.
In contrast, the Maybach reportedly made contact with the substances, suggesting surface interaction.
However, a China-based automotive influencer operating under the name Racing Frappuccino — a verified Weibo account with around 605,000 followers — claimed that these tests were staged.
He alleged that the demonstrations were “marketing tactics” and further criticized Huawei’s promotional strategies.
Despite being asked to retract his claims, the influencer allegedly posted another video doubling down on his allegations.
Legal Battle: Claims and Counterclaims
- In May 2025, JAC filed a defamation lawsuit on behalf of Maextro.
- Initial demand: 1 million Yuan (₹1.33 crore)
- Influencer’s counter threat: 2.5 million Yuan (₹3.32 crore)
After reviewing the case, the court ruled that the influencer’s claims were fabricated and defamatory. It concluded that Maextro’s reputation had been harmed.
Court’s Verdict
- Public apology mandated
- Compensation ordered: 300,000 Yuan (₹40 lakh)
- Influencer held responsible for reputational damage
While the penalty was lower than demanded, the judgement clearly favoured the automaker.
A Growing Trend in China’s Auto Industry
This isn’t an isolated incident. Chinese courts have increasingly ruled against influencers who publish unverified or misleading claims about car brands.
Automakers that have previously won similar cases include:
- Great Wall Motor
- BYD
- Xpeng
In a separate high-profile case involving the Denza B5 SUV, an influencer was reportedly ordered to pay US$289,000 (₹2.63 crore) in damages to BYD.
To me, this pattern signals a shift. Automakers are no longer passively absorbing reputational attacks — especially in a market where online narratives directly influence sales.
Why This Case Matters
China’s automotive sector is one of the most competitive in the world. With luxury EVs and tech-integrated vehicles becoming mainstream, brand perception plays a crucial role.
Influencer culture has immense power — but with that comes responsibility.
This ruling reinforces three major points:
- Unverified allegations can have legal consequences
- Corporate reputation is legally protected
- Courts are willing to intervene decisively
At the same time, transparency in marketing remains equally important. If brands push the boundaries of dramatized demonstrations, skepticism will naturally follow.
The balance between bold marketing and factual representation is delicate — and both sides must tread carefully.
This case serves as a reminder that while digital platforms amplify voices, they also amplify accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. Why was the Chinese influencer fined ₹40 lakh?
- The influencer was found guilty of making fabricated and defamatory claims about the Maextro S800’s promotional tests. The court ruled that these claims harmed the company’s reputation.
Q. How much compensation was originally demanded?
- JAC initially demanded 1 million Yuan (₹1.33 crore), but the court awarded 300,000 Yuan (₹40 lakh) instead.
Q. What is the Maextro S800?
- The Maextro S800 is a luxury sedan jointly developed by Huawei and JAC. It competes with high-end models like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Q. Has this happened before in China?
- Yes. Automakers like Great Wall Motor, BYD and Xpeng have also won similar defamation cases against influencers.
Q. What does this mean for automotive influencers?
- Influencers must ensure their claims are factual and evidence-based. Courts in China are increasingly taking action against defamatory content in the automotive sector.
