- The new guidelines call on automakers to avoid frequent, steep overseas price changes and respect local dealers' pricing autonomy. - The guidelines cover marketing, quality, employment and data security, addressing compliance risks as China's automotive supply chain expands overseas. China has issued guidelines on overseas competition in the automotive industry, focusing on automakers' pricing, promotions and brand marketing in international markets. China's Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued the guidelines, according to a notice posted Tuesday on the commerce ministry's website. The document comprises 4 chapters and 20 articles, providing a reference for Chinese automotive companies' market competition and business operations overseas. It serves as general guidance, and companies must still comply with the laws and policies of host countries and international organizations. The guidelines call on companies to adopt pricing strategies based on costs and international market supply and demand, without disrupting market competition through improper means. When setting suggested retail prices overseas, automakers should establish clear price tiers for different vehicle configurations and avoid frequent, steep price changes that could harm consumers' interests and brand image. Companies should also respect the pricing autonomy of local dealers and agents and clearly define the terms of sales incentives. Product prices, discounts, gifts and auto-financing offers must also be transparent and comply with local business practices. When conducting brand promotions overseas, automakers must disclose information truthfully and completely and refrain from false advertising that deceives or misleads consumers. The requirements indicate that Chinese regulators are incorporating price volatility and aggressive promotions — long-standing features of the domestic auto market — into the risk-management framework for automakers' international operations. The guidelines also extend their focus to overseas production and localized operations. Companies are expected to strengthen workplace safety, quality management,