Ongoing maintenance issues linked to bulging and deformed 177Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries from CALB, used in GAC Aion's AION S series models, are still being addressed as of August 6th. According to sources, CALB has recently initiated a technology-driven internal restructuring prioritizing "quality and safety," implementing substantive adjustments to process traceability, verification systems, organizational structure, and customer relations mechanisms, while also tightening manufacturing standards.
An insider at CALB revealed that the production line is concurrently conducting a reverse audit of incoming materials, auxiliary materials, and additive formulas from 2022 and 2023, resulting in the discontinuation of some low-margin formulations. Additionally, CALB has established a customer quality rapid response team under its passenger vehicle division, which will collaborate with its leading customers on joint BMS data monitoring. "The quality control department now has greater authority, gaining veto power over batch release," the source noted.
On July 18th, GAC Aion and CALB each issued public statements. GAC Aion apologized and announced three measures: significantly extending the battery warranty for affected models to 8 years or 300,000 kilometers; proactively screening abnormal vehicles using big data to offer free inspections and replacements; and providing operational subsidies for vehicle owners whose vehicles are in repair for over five days. CALB has opened a "direct-access" maintenance channel, pledging to assume full responsibility for cell quality.
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