BYD sues GWM Tank CEO over online infringement amid two-month disappearance, report reveals
The People’s Court Announcement Network published a notice stating that BYD has filed a civil lawsuit against Great Wall Motor’ Tank CEO, Chang Yao, over an online infringement dispute, Red Star Capital Bureau reported.
The court notice revealed that Chang has been unreachable since July, with his social media activity frozen since June 24. Due to his unavailability, the Beijing Internet Court has initiated service of process by public announcement. The notice specifies that 30 days after the announcement will be considered as officially served. Parties will then have 15 days to submit a written defence, with the hearing scheduled for 14:30 on the third day after the defence period ends, subject to statutory holidays. The remote hearing will take place in Courtroom 42.
Chang’s absence coincides with internal anti-corruption actions at Great Wall Motor, though it remains unclear whether he still holds the Tank CEO position. Attempts to reach both BYD and Great Wall Motors for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
Public records show that Chang graduated from the University of York in 2005. He joined Great Wall Motors in 2022 as Senior Director of User Operations, was promoted to Deputy General Manager of the Tank brand in April 2024, and became CEO in May 2025. Tank, which became an independent sub-brand of Great Wall Motors in 2021, focuses on off-road vehicles. Its current models include the Tank 300, Tank 400, Tank 500, and Tank 700.
According to Great Wall Motors’ production and sales data, the Tank brand sold 143,700 units in the first eight months of 2025, a 4.88% decline compared to the same period in 2024. The company has not indicated whether leadership changes will follow in light of Chang’s disappearance.
The case has drawn attention within the automotive industry due to the combination of legal proceedings and the CEO’s prolonged absence. The hearing in late September will proceed under the court’s remote session arrangement.
