What happened
On September 4, AITO issued a statement addressing rumors that it produced a 'pre-made car' or 'time-travel vehicle' for its M6 model. The rumor began when several self-media accounts posted images and videos of a vehicle nameplate showing the manufacturing date as '2026-10', which is impossible since the current date is only September 2026.
The company said it verified the vehicle identification number and confirmed that the actual manufacturing date is '2026-7'. It added that the nameplate information in the posts was fabricated through photo editing or AI modification, and dismissed claims of 'pre-made cars' as pure rumor.
AITO stated it has preserved evidence and filed a police report, vowing to hold those responsible for the rumor legally accountable.
Why it matters
This incident highlights how easily manipulated images and AI-generated content can create false narratives about products, potentially misleading consumers and harming a brand's reputation.
It also underscores the growing challenge automakers and other companies face in combating digitally altered misinformation in the age of advanced editing and AI tools.
Key facts
AITO issued a refutation statement on September 4.
The disputed nameplate belonged to an AITO M6 and displayed manufacturing date '2026-10'.
Actual manufacturing date was verified as '2026-7' via the vehicle identification number.
The nameplate information was generated by P图 (photo editing) or AI modification.
AITO has reported the matter to the police.
What to watch next
Whether the police investigation leads to any legal action against the creators or spreaders of the fake nameplate content.
How AITO further addresses the incident and whether it steps up measures to counter similar misinformation campaigns in the future.