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Chery SUV Fails Tianmen ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Attempt, Damages Guardrail

Chery cites a detached safety shackle as the cause, pledging repairs.

Overview

  • The Fengyun/X3L extended‑range SUV slid backward during a November 12 climb at Tianmen Mountain in Hunan, damaging a stone guardrail on the famed staircase.
  • Onlooker video shows the vehicle bottom out before losing momentum and reversing along the handrail area before impact.
  • In a Weibo statement, Chery said a safety‑rope shackle detached and the rope entangled the right wheel, cutting power; the company reported no injuries or environmental damage.
  • Chery apologized, acknowledged shortcomings in risk assessment and site‑planning, and committed to restoring the damaged area and covering compensation.
  • Some reports cite insiders saying a November 25 retry is being considered with technical changes to tires, torque distribution, and pitch monitoring, but these plans remain unconfirmed.