China has banned hidden door handles on all cars sold in the country, making it the first country in the world to target the feature.
Hidden door handles are a signature feature of Tesla cars, and the ban comes at a time when Tesla’s global sales are in decline and the company is facing stiff competition in China, the world’s second-largest market.
The door handles on the outside are flush with the door, and when the handle is pressed from one side, a lever pops out. While the rider has to press a button to open the door from the inside.
While Tesla is known for its hidden door handles, some electric vehicle manufacturers in China have also adopted the design, including heavyweights like Xiaomi and iOon.
