This is a result of over regulation in the auto industry. I always shake my head at the group of people that wants cheaper prices on goods and services, but propose regulating large companies to death.
China is winning because they don't have to work around pesky labor or IP laws. Then we have people pointing to how much better they are at business and also want all these protections.
Naw. US labor cost per car is about $880 to $1250, from various sources.[1] China EV labor cost is around $550. That difference is less than what heated seats add in price.
While i don't doubt the chinese market is incredibly regulated, this car handle is a terrible trend started by tesla. Many cases were people couldn't open their cars because because it's eletronic was damaged. There is open investigations open in the US about the same thing too.
If frozen, the thing becomes impossible to open too. And the manual handle inside is also known for being easily forgotten in cases of panic.
China is winning because they don't have to work around pesky labor or IP laws. Then we have people pointing to how much better they are at business and also want all these protections.