China Mandates Physical Controls in Cars Amid Screen-Centric Design Backlash
China is reining in the automotive industry’s rush to replace physical buttons and controls with touchscreen interfaces. New regulations from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) will require key safety features to be operable via physical buttons or levers, marking a significant shift in design philosophy and prioritizing driver safety.
The Rise of the Screen and the Growing Concerns
Recent years have witnessed a surge in minimalist car interiors dominated by large touchscreens. While aesthetically appealing and potentially cost-effective for manufacturers, this trend has drawn criticism from consumers and safety experts alike. The increasing reliance on screens for essential functions raises concerns about driver distraction and accessibility.
New Regulations: Prioritizing Safety
The MIIT’s preliminary amendments stipulate that critical functions – including turn signals, hazard lights, the gear lever, and the emergency “SOS” call button – must be controllable through physical means. This ensures drivers can operate these features without navigating through multiple touchscreen menus, minimizing distraction and enhancing safety. This move follows a recent ban on retractable door handles, too implemented for safety reasons, signaling a broader commitment to prioritizing safety in vehicle design.
A Reversal of Trends in China
This regulatory shift is particularly noteworthy given China’s previous embrace of screen-centric designs. Until recently, the country was a leading proponent of aggressive transitions to touchscreen interfaces in vehicles. The new regulations suggest a reassessment of this approach, driven by safety considerations.
Security Risks and Autonomous Driving Standards
Security experts have long pointed out the potential security risks associated with consolidating vehicle functions onto touchscreens. Requiring physical controls reduces the time drivers spend diverting their attention from the road. China is expected to implement stricter safety requirements for vehicles seeking Level 3 or Level 4 autonomous driving certification, demanding higher standards for control systems.
Volkswagen’s Response and the “In China, for China” Strategy
Automakers like Volkswagen have already faced criticism for removing physical buttons from their vehicles and are beginning to respond to consumer feedback. Volkswagen is actively pursuing an “in China, for China” strategy, focusing on aligning its products with the specific needs and preferences of Chinese customers. The company is developing vehicles with local partners like SAIC, such as the Volkswagen ID. Era 9X full-size EREV crossover, which features a large touchscreen but may also incorporate physical controls in response to the new regulations. Volkswagen ID. Era 9X Interior
Implications for the Automotive Industry
China’s move is likely to have ripple effects throughout the global automotive industry. As the world’s largest auto market, China’s regulations often influence industry standards. Other countries may follow suit, prompting automakers to reconsider their design strategies and prioritize physical controls for essential functions. Volkswagen, along with other manufacturers, is investing heavily in developing new technologies and designs tailored to the Chinese market, as evidenced by the ID. CODE design show car and the ID.UX electric sub-brand. Volkswagen’s China Strategy
The Volkswagen Group is also continuing to pursue its ‘In China, for China’ strategy, presenting ten new models at Auto Shanghai 2025, including the ID. ERA, ID. EVO and ID. AURA. Volkswagen Group in China By 2030, Volkswagen plans to build the majority of its vehicles offered in China on a new electronic architecture platform developed with Xpeng. Volkswagen and Xpeng Partnership