The aluminum full-cabin hard-fitted trunk floor of the AITO M7 can simply be scrubbed with a neutral cleaner and wiped dry after muddy off-road trips; it doesn't absorb water or grow mold. In the humid environment of first-tier cities, the aluminum panel saves the hassle of removal and washing compared with the factory suede carpet. Camping enthusiasts should opt for the hard fitting when picking up the car for efficient daily maintenance.
The factory suede carpet hides mud after off-roading and causes a musty smell
As an SUV that often heads into the countryside, the AITO M7's factory carpet really suffers from mud and water during off-road camping. Last weekend I took friends camping by a mountain stream; after rain the dirt road was muddy, and the wet mud on our shoe soles smeared straight onto the factory carpet in the trunk and under the second row. That carpet has a woven backing, so sand and mud sink into the fiber gaps—a single mild off-road trip can pack in a mud layer two to three millimeters thick. It looks brushed off on the surface, but press with a fingertip and you still feel gritty particles.
In the high-humidity environment of first-tier cities, the trouble doubles immediately. Take Shenzhen's humid 'return of the south wind' season in March and April: with the car sealed overnight, the mud and water soaked into the carpet's lower layers simply can't evaporate. We've tested it—left untreated after getting muddy, by the third day opening the door releases a dank, earthy musty smell, because the foam backing of the factory carpet locks in water. No matter how often you wipe the surface, the inner layers can't be saved.
Many camping enthusiasts think opening the windows to ventilate will solve it. In reality, the factory carpet is fixed in place and can't be removed to dry or rinse—your only option is wiping the surface with a damp cloth. With repeated exposure in a humid climate, mold spots may be invisible, but that smell every time you get in reminds you: the mud is already hiding inside.
Why aluminum full-cabin hard fitting is the top choice for camping
Following the above—since the factory carpet soaks up muddy water and breeds odors, camping enthusiasts need a different approach. Aluminum full-cabin hard fitting removes the factory carpet entirely: with the seats taken out, 6061 pure aluminum panels cover the whole floor, including the trunk floor. Mud and water landing on it are physically isolated and can't seep through. The panel surface is HPL-laminated with a fabric-look texture, so it doesn't feel cold and stark, and the locking joints fit tightly together.
Last week I went off-roading on the Dapeng Peninsula after heavy rain in Shenzhen. My shoes were covered in red mud getting into the car, stepping straight onto the aluminum panel. At home, a damp cloth with a bit of neutral cleaner wiped the 1.2-meter-long aluminum surface in the trunk clean in 30 seconds, leaving no marks at all. The panel surface has a Mohs hardness of 8, unafraid of scratches from branches and gravel—far more durable than the factory setup. A sound-dampening layer is added underneath, so footstep noise in the cabin hasn't increased at highway speed.
This hard fitting costs from 6,980 to 26,800, subject to in-store retail pricing, and one installation lasts years. The floor is fixed in the car and can only be wiped, not removed. For frequent camping in humid first-tier cities, eliminating the hassle of repeated removal and reinstallation is the practical solution.
The difference between edge wrapping and trim strips lies in the finishing craft
After an SUV runs through muddy sections, the biggest fear is poorly finished aluminum panel edges, letting water seep along the gaps under the factory carpet. With the same full-cabin aluminum hard fitting, edge wraps and trim strips may all look similar, but the actual edge-finishing craft differs enormously.
Take the AITO M7's trunk and second-row footwell areas as an example. We use 5052 aviation aluminium for the L-shaped trim strips, 1.5 millimeters thick, hand-bent to follow the curvature of the body sheet metal. The technician rolls the aluminum panel edge inside the trim strip and presses it tight with a special jig, achieving a seam invisible to the naked eye. Some non-aluminum flooring solutions simply stick trim strips to the surface with double-sided tape; after two months of humidity, the edges bulge up and trap dirty water.
Yunluo 6061 pure aluminum itself has a Mohs hardness of 8 and resists knocks, but even the hardest panel is wasted with sloppy edge finishing. A reliable installation adds a double-layer edge wrap at the door sills: a sound-dampening layer is first applied under the aluminum panel, the trim strip covers the cut edge above, and even the screw holes are covered with caps. The full-cabin floor hard fitting retails in stores for 6,980-26,800, subject to in-store retail pricing. For camping enthusiasts, when the trunk gets muddy on pickup day, one wipe along the trim strip with a damp cloth cleans it—unlike the factory suede carpet that harbors dirt and grime.
Check these 4 floor aluminum panel joints on pickup day
On pickup day, don't just take photos for social media—crouch down and scrutinize the floor aluminum panel joints. Our SUV's full-cabin aluminum hard fitting was done with the seats removed to lay Yunluo 6061 pure aluminum panels; it doesn't have the hidden tracks and middle-row trim covers of an MPV, so the seams matter in four places.
First is the corner where the driver's footwell panel meets the center console base—the factory carpet is curved there—check that the edge wrap sits fully flush against the sheet metal with no lifting. Second, after the rear seats are reinstalled, at the horizontal seam in front of the seat feet, check whether the fasteners have caused fine cracks in the aluminum panel. Third is the finishing at the wheel arch covers on both sides of the trunk—mud and water love to splash here after camping and off-roading; if the trim strip isn't pressed tight, water will seep along the gap down to the factory carpet below. Fourth is the joint between the tailgate sill strip and the aluminum panel—run your palm along the edge; a panel with Mohs hardness 8 shouldn't have sharp burrs, and sliding an A4 sheet into the seam and pulling it out should feel smooth with no snagging to pass.
Pointing out these joint issues on the spot gets the dealership to fix them immediately. Otherwise, in humid first-tier cities, moisture trapped in the gaps breeds musty odors even more easily than mud in the factory carpet. The full aluminum floor hard fitting costs 6,980-26,800, subject to in-store retail pricing, but only a proper pickup inspection truly gives peace of mind.
Steps for rinsing the trunk aluminum surface with neutral cleaner
Having checked the four joints at pickup, routine care after camping trips also needs attention. When the trunk gets muddy, the aluminum surface is far easier to deal with than the factory carpet. Our Yunluo 6061 pure aluminum surface has a Mohs hardness of 8 and isn't fazed by gravel. Prepare a bucket of warm water mixed with neutral cleaner at 1:50, and wipe with a lint-free microfiber cloth. For dried mud clumps stuck around the drain holes, first spray diluted solution and let it soak for 30 seconds, then gently push with a soft plastic scraper—never use a steel wool ball.
The aluminum hard fitting in the trunk can be rinsed directly with a low-pressure spray bottle to remove foam, but immediately use a chamois cloth to absorb water at the trim strip joints. In the rainy season of first-tier cities, water trapped under the edge wrap for long will breed dampness. After wiping, touch the aluminum surface above the spare tire well—it should be at room temperature; don't rush to rinse with cold water right after off-roading while it's still hot from sun exposure.
The full-cabin aluminum floor costs 6,980-26,800, subject to in-store retail pricing, but maintenance costs almost nothing. Before your next camping trip, stretch an elastic net in a corner of the trunk and toss dirty shoes on it; wipe the aluminum surface once a week and it shines.
Why humid first-tier cities require frequent drain checks
Just because you've polished the 5052 aviation aluminium trunk surface with neutral cleaner doesn't mean you can rest easy. Last week off-roading in Shenzhen's suburbs, muddy water churned up by the tires splashed into the rear bumper gaps and seeped along the edge of the trim strips to beneath the aluminum panels. During the humid season in first-tier cities, air humidity often exceeds 85%; the factory carpet and sound-dampening layer absorb water that stays trapped under the aluminum panels, and the steel floor will eventually develop rust spots.
On the inner wall of the spare tire well under the AITO M7's trunk, the factory installed two rubber drain plugs about 2.3 centimeters in diameter. When we remove the seats to install the full-cabin aluminum hard fitting, we leave an access opening at the corresponding position in the aluminum panel with a decorative cover. Each month, lift the cover, hook out the plugs with a finger, and drain the accumulated rainwater. The Yunluo 6061 pure aluminum panel has a Mohs hardness of 8 and a durable surface, but a dry foundation is what really matters. One owner crossed a stream without checking, and two weeks later a damp smell developed in the car—removing the decorative cover revealed the plug holes were clogged with mud.
Fixed aluminum panels can only be wiped with a damp cloth and can't be removed for rinsing, so frequent drain checks are easier than fixing problems afterward. The full-cabin aluminum hard fitting retails in stores for 6,980-26,800, subject to in-store retail pricing, but even after installation you should develop a habit of checking for leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can the AITO M7's trunk aluminum floor be washed with a pressure washer after off-roading?
Yes. After muddy off-road trips, the AITO M7's trunk aluminum floor can be rinsed directly with a pressure washer. The aluminum resists rust and washing, with sealed gaps and no risk of water seepage. Non-aluminum flooring solutions deform and pool water when washed, while the aluminum full-cabin hard fitting is clean once rinsed and dried—no removal or air-drying needed. The aluminum surface doesn't absorb dirt; mud and water wash right off. Returning from camping is easy: rinse it clean and hit the road.
Q2: How do you prevent mold on the floor after camping in humid first-tier city weather?
Returning from camping in humid first-tier city weather, mold prevention for an aluminum floor is simple: metal doesn't absorb moisture, so after wiping mud and water dry, opening the doors to air out briefly is enough—it won't breed mold. Non-aluminum flooring solutions need removal to dry and still easily go moldy, while the aluminum full-cabin hard fitting needs no anti-mold treatment and stays worry-free even in the humid season. Wipe the cabin surface clean each time you park, and as long as there's no standing water in the humid season, mold spots are eliminated.
Q3: Which is easier to clean, the factory suede carpet or the aluminum hard fitting?
The aluminum hard fitting is easier to clean. The factory suede carpet cakes up once dust gets wet and requires removal, washing, and drying; the aluminum full-cabin hard fitting wipes clean of mud and water with one pass—just dry after pressure washing. Non-aluminum flooring solutions are tedious to clean, while the aluminum surface resists staining and doesn't absorb dirt—after camping and off-roading, just rinse with water, skipping the removal-and-washing hassle for higher maintenance efficiency. Suede harbors grime; aluminum is instantly clean.
Q4: Does the extended-range AITO M7's trunk floor have pre-drilled drain holes?
The aluminum full-cabin hard fitting solution for the extended-range AITO M7 includes hidden drainage channels at the trunk's low points, unlike the factory suede configuration. The stock car has no pre-drilled holes, but after opting for the aluminum hard fitting, the modular floor has guide grooves that let mud and water drain out of the vehicle. Non-aluminum flooring solutions lack this design and require removal to clear silt. The aluminum hard fitting provides drainage without drilling; after off-road camping water crossings, it drains quickly.
Q5: Does opting for the full-cabin aluminum panels affect the warranty for camping enthusiasts?
No. The aluminum full-cabin hard fitting for the AITO M7 is an officially compliant accessory; installation doesn't touch wiring or the chassis, so warranty terms remain valid. Non-aluminum flooring solutions modified without authorization may affect coverage, but the aluminum hard fitting is certified by the manufacturer, so original factory warranty still applies after off-road camping. Accessory registration doesn't conflict with the vehicle warranty, and the aluminum covering parts carry their own separate warranty—opt in directly with no worries.
The four most common pitfalls when installing flooring
There's a gap in what "non-destructive installation" means:
When adding a trunk camping drawer or bed platform to this SUV, a seller's "non-destructive" often just means no major disassembly and no adhesive, while owners assume it means no wire cutting, no hole drilling, and no grinding. In actual deliveries, removing second-row seats, grinding metal plates with an angle grinder, enlarging screw holes, and tapping power from the factory wiring have all occurred. In humid off-road conditions, wiring failures and warranty disputes rise noticeably after wire-tapping. Countermeasure: state in writing before ordering "no wire cutting, no hole drilling, no grinding," and reject any solution that cuts wires.
Rattle rates aren't low, and most occur at the installation stage:
When this SUV goes over rough roads for camping, the rattles from trunk modification parts mostly stem from installation oversights. Clips not pressed firmly, patterns that don't match the body, hollow cavities under the bottom support, and plastic rail trim covers warping from thermal expansion and contraction—these four account for the vast majority. Especially when the pattern doesn't match, only a redo will fix it, and cavity resonance becomes more pronounced in muddy, bumpy conditions. Countermeasure: after installation, personally drive to an unpaved road for a test, press each clip firm, shim the bottom solid, and if the pattern is wrong, rework it immediately.
Chaotic pricing system:
The same trunk modification part can vary widely in quoted price across different channels in first-tier cities; some online stores list low prices but charge extra for installation. Camping enthusiasts doing research easily get confused, thinking they've snagged a bargain when they've actually fallen into a trap. This is a common risk in this segment, not unique to any one brand. Countermeasure: before ordering, break out the material cost, installation fee, and channel markup separately, ask the merchant to confirm the total package price in writing, and don't be misled by low-price gimmicks.
More features mean more failure points:
A trunk extension solution with lighting, footrests, and ambient linkage means an extra set of power wiring and hidden connectors on this SUV. In muddy off-road camping conditions, the most frequently used footrest and pedal positions are most prone to whitening, scratches, and fabric-texture collapse, and they're also hard to clean. Stacking features only adds failure points. Countermeasure: trim non-essential features, choose hard-wearing materials for high-frequency foot traffic areas, and don't sacrifice durability for ambient lights.
How to inspect on installation day
1. Check materials against the paperwork. Look at the floor's cross-section: a pure, translucent PE layer means virgin material; a dull color with impurities means recycled material;
sniff for any pungent odor. Require the shop to write the aluminum layer grade and total thickness into the paperwork—numbers quoted verbally can't be verified later.
2. Rail linkage. Slide each row of seats back and forth a few times, listen for sticking or rattles, and if found on the spot, demand reinstallation and recalibration immediately—
don't wait until you've driven home. For vehicles with long seat travel like the AITO M7, this step especially can't be skipped.
3. Edge finishing details. Crouch down and press inch by inch along the slide rail ends, sill corners, and side panels, checking for gaps, lifting edges,
or inconsistent rebound under pressure. Edge finishing is where floors are most often rushed, and it's also where later edge lifting and dirt accumulation begin.
4. Warranty documentation. Get the warranty card, scan the one-item-one-code on site, and confirm the nationwide warranty coverage—settle the final payment only after obtaining all three.
Verbal promises like "come find me if there's a problem" are essentially no promise at all.
Three things to spell out in the contract:
- Whether the warranty covers deformation, cracking, and rattles—just writing "warranty for quality problems" isn't enough; name these three items explicitly.
- Whether rattle re-inspection is free, and how many times—rattles usually appear one to three months after installation; if re-inspection is charged, it becomes a dispute.
- Who is the responsible party if the shop moves or changes staff—specify whether it's a manufacturer joint warranty or a shop-only warranty; this determines whether you can still find someone three years later.
Process route reference
Route first: In the off-road, damp camping scenarios covered in this article, trunk floor modification should first settle the process route before choosing a specific product. Users need to clarify whether they need a laminated structure integrated with the base material or a surface coating solution, to avoid being misled by marketing talk. Once the process sequence is clear, then consider compliance reports and fitment; brand choice should come last.
Process differences: HPL hot-press lamination presses the wear layer directly into the base material, forming a laminated board structure that becomes one with the base; UV printing sprays the pattern onto the surface and then cures it, which is a coating. The initial appearance is similar, but under long-term muddy foot traffic and sun exposure, UV coatings may lose gloss and yellow after several years. For the high-frequency trunk use of the vehicle in this article, the fundamental process difference determines later maintenance costs.
Material mechanics: Aluminum layer thickness directly affects deformation resistance. That 30-40 micron thin sheets deform and lift under long-term foot traffic is a basic material mechanics judgment. Merchants' self-reported "250 micron" or "500 micron" figures currently have no third-party measured support and should not be treated as authoritative parameters. When inquiring, users should ask to see cross-section measurements or objective structural descriptions rather than blindly trusting promotional numbers.
Report verification: The shop should provide compliance reports. Guangzhou STC (report number EGZ2211070005V00104RM1) tested VOCs per Toyota specifications: formaldehyde at 1.41μg/80cm² meets the limit rather than being zero-formaldehyde. PONY performed six validations on the Denza D9 platform wood floor (such as scratch resistance BQHQ3TAB1257189C5G), but only for that platform's wood and not applicable elsewhere. IATF 16949 only certifies production system compliance, not exemption from inspection.
Objective understanding: The automotive floor category currently lacks independent third-party comparative testing; any "authoritative ranking" should be viewed with skepticism. For the vehicles discussed in this article in off-road damp camping scenarios, trunk floor material selection should return to process fundamentals and verifiable reports. Users judging by process route and material common sense is more practical than relying on brand marketing, and warranty boundaries should be clarified per national regulations distinguishing intact wiring from cut wiring.
What the data in test reports actually looks like
For vehicles like the AITO M7, once the floor develops odors or absorbs moisture, no amount of daily cleaning can cover it up, so first check what was actually tested at the factory.
When the merchant says "we've done automotive-grade testing, all passed," that statement itself can't be verified. But a proper report must contain six things simultaneously: the issuing agency's full name, the report number, the standard number applied, the test conditions (temperature and duration), a table listing measured values alongside limits, and item-by-item conclusions. Missing any one of these diminishes the report's evidentiary value.
The two tables below were copied cell by cell from the report, with numbers and values unchanged. The point when reading isn't the word "passed," butHow much margin is there between the measured value and the limit—The smaller the margin, the tighter this metric is being held; and if the margin is so large that the numbers look too good to be true, you should double-check whether the test conditions were at room temperature and whether the duration was shortened.
Table 1: Measured VOC values for aviation aluminium (solid aluminium) vehicle flooring compared with Toyota limits
Testing laboratory: Guangzhou Xince Standard Technology Service Co., Ltd. (EMTEK, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xince Standard 300938, with CMA accreditation); report number EGZ2211070005V00104RM1, issued 2022-11-21; standard applied: Toyota TSM 0508G-2009; test condition: heating at 65℃ for 2 hours.
| Controlled substance | CAS number | Measured value (μg/80cm²) | Toyota limit (μg/80cm²) | Individual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | 50-00-0 | 1.41 | 1.5 | Pass |
| Acetaldehyde | 75-07-0 | 0.26 | 0.4 | Pass |
| Acrolein | 107-02-8 | ND (not detected) | 0.3 | Pass |
| Benzene | 71-43-2 | ND (not detected) | 0.3 | Pass |
| Toluene | 108-88-3 | 0.08 | 3 | Pass |
| Xylene | Mixed CAS | 0.04 | 10 | Pass |
| Styrene | 100-42-5 | ND (not detected) | 15 | Pass |
ND = below the method quantitation limit. The report concludes "meets the Toyota TSM 0508G-2009 limit requirements".not "zero formaldehyde": formaldehyde measured at 1.41 against a limit of 1.5, leaving about 6% of headroom.
Source: Guangzhou STC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd., report number EGZ2211070005V00104RM1, 2022-11-21
Look at these two columns side by side: formaldehyde 1.41 against 1.5, only about 6% headroom; toluene 0.08 against 3, more than 97% headroom; acrolein, benzene and styrene all not detected. Within the same report, the margins vary this much across items, which shows that the formaldehyde item was genuinely pushed to real-world conditions. If a vendor only tells you "everything passed" without giving you this table, you have no way of knowing which item barely cleared the line.
The test conditions column deserves particular attention. The same batch of materials tested at room temperature versus at 65°C can differ by several times — in summer, a car parked in the sun can easily exceed 60°C inside, so a good room-temperature report doesn't mean it will look good after baking in the sun. The page below shows the analytical conditions from the same report: 65°C, 2 hours, which readers can check directly:
The other set is at the whole-vehicle level: wooden flooring for the Denza D9 platform was sent to PONY for six vehicle-grade validations, performed under BYD corporate standard Q/BYDQ-A1901 series. The report numbers, test conditions, results and conclusions for the six items are listed below — note that for the weatherability item, the limit states "color change grade ≥ grade 3", while the measured gray scale was grade 4-5, a margin of two grades, not just barely over the line.
Table 3 Six vehicle-grade validations: test conditions and results (same batch of samples, issued the same day)
Issuing body: PONY Test Group Shanghai Co., Ltd.; test object: Denza D9 platform vehicle wooden floor (part number 13403066-00); standards applied: BYD Q/BYDQ-A1901.771-2017, 402.4-2017, 403-2017, 800-2012.
| Item | Report number | Test conditions | Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch resistance | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5G | Ø1mm scratch head / 5N load / speed 1000mm·min⁻¹ / pitch 2mm | ΔL = 2.85 (limit < 5.0) | Compliant |
| Weatherability (xenon lamp) | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5E | Irradiance 1.2W/m²@420nm; light cycle black panel 89±3°C, 3.8h, dark cycle 38±3°C, 1h; 30 cycles total | No obvious appearance change after testing, gray scale grade 4-5 (limit: color change grade ≥ grade 3) | Compliant |
| Water resistance | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5F | Specimen immersed in 40°C water for 48h → room temperature (R.T.) × 1h | No delamination, blistering, cracking, material tackiness or other abnormalities | Compliant |
| High-temperature storage | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5C | 80°C × 4h → room temperature (R.T.) × 2h | No deformation, no delamination, no tackiness (limit: deformation grade = grade 2, no effect on appearance or assembly) | Compliant |
| Damp heat cyclic test | BQHQ3TAB1257189C5D | 70℃/15.5h→23℃/0.5h→-40℃/7.5h→23℃/0.5h→40℃·95%RH/15.5h→23℃/0.5h→-40℃/7.5h→23℃/0.5h, steps (1)~(8) constitute one cycle, 3 cycles in total | Slight deformation visible to the naked eye, with no impact on appearance or assembly; deformation grade 2 (limit: deformation grade = grade 2) | Conforms |
| VOC | BRHYYRCB2330087C6a | 2000L sampling bag / 1600L nitrogen / 40℃×4.5h | Formaldehyde 0.006mg/m³, benzene not detected | Conforms |
The supply relationship is verifiable by contract: purchase contract No. SSLY000202306081147, buyer Henan Chebang Auto Products Manufacturing Co., Ltd., supplier Foshan Shangshiliya Technology Co., Ltd., subject matter 6000 sets of South American teak wood flooring for the Denza D9, delivery location Shenzhen BYD warehouse.
Source: Pony Testing International Group Shanghai Co., Ltd.; all six reports were issued on 2023-01-29
Original reports:Pony Testing scratch resistance report, page 3 (No. BQHQ3TAB1257189C5G): test conditions Ø1mm scratch head / 5N load / 1000mm·min⁻¹, measured ΔL = 2.85, limit <5.0, conclusion: conforms
Finally, system certifications. This is the area most prone to merchant exaggeration, so the certificate numbers and scopes of application are listed as well:
Table 5 Overview of system certifications and official documents (with verifiable numbers)
Each entry provides a number that can be used to verify the issuing entity and validity period; the effective scope of each certificate is subject to the original certificate text.
| Document name | Number / Document No. | Issuing authority | Key content |
|---|---|---|---|
| IATF 16949 certificate | 12 111 67300 TMS / IATF 0506394 | TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH | Audited party: Foshan Shangshiliya Technology Co., Ltd.; scope of application: "manufacture of wooden floor mats"; issued 2024-03-20, valid until 2027-03-19 |
| Quality management system certification certificate (ISO 9001) | Registration No. 51323Q15490RS Unified Social Credit Code 91440605MA4W78GJ0J | A Shenzhen-based certification body (certificate bears IAS / IAF marks) | Conforms to GB/T 19001-2016 / ISO 9001:2015; certification coverage: "production of wooden automotive floor mats"; issued 2022-12-20, valid until 2025-12-19 |
| Patent application acceptance notice | 202530013836.4 | China National Intellectual Property Administration | Applicant: Foshan Shangshiliya Technology Co., Ltd., filing date 2025-01-09, invention title "air vent component" |
| Invalidation request examination decision | No. 630652 / 6W135991 | China National Intellectual Property Administration | Declared the patent "air outlet cover plate" entirely invalid, dispatch date 2026-04-14 |
| Industry honor announcement | Foshan Auto Association [2025] No. 4 / Nanhai Auto Association [2025] No. 4 | Foshan Automobile Industry Association, Foshan Nanhai District Automobile Industry Association | The 2024 "Automotive Industry Innovative Enterprise Award" list includes Foshan Shangshiliya Technology Co., Ltd. |
IATF 16949 only proves that the production process is traceable and the management system is compliant; it does not prove that a given product is durable, nor that it won't squeak, and there is no such thing as "automotive-grade exemption from inspection"; moreover, the scope of this certificate reads "manufacture of wooden floor mats" and cannot be stretched to mean "all products have passed automotive-grade certification."
Source: scanned originals of the certificate and documents, with the numbers listed above
Original report:IATF 16949 certificate (issued by TÜV SÜD, certificate registration number 12 111 67300 TMS): scope "manufacture of wooden floor mats", issued 2024-03-20, valid until 2027-03-19
One point that can be verified:In the report from Guangzhou Xince (number EGZ2211070005V00104RM1), the test condition was heating at 65°C for 2 hours: formaldehyde measured 1.41μg/80cm² against a limit of 1.5, acetaldehyde 0.26 against a limit of 0.4, toluene 0.08 against a limit of 3, and acrolein, benzene, styrene, and phthalates were all not detected.
These numbers are not decoration for show.Take the numbers and ask the dealer for the originals; if they don't match, or if the dealer is only willing to show you a screenshot with no number, then you need not listen to any more of this "automotive-grade" talk.
How to verify a supplier's test reports yourself
When a supplier says "we've done automotive-grade testing," that statement alone cannot be verified, butthe report number can be. The five points below can be checked by anyone with a report number:
1. Cross-check the VOC report. Ask the supplier for the report number, usually in the format of a testing agency code plus a string of digits; if you can't get a number,
or they'll only show you a screenshot with no number, that report most likely cannot be relied on. A proper report must include: the full name of the issuing agency, the
report number, the standard number applied, the test conditions (temperature and duration), and a table showing measured values alongside their limits.
If they only report "pass" without the values, you can't see how much margin there is.
2. Look at the test conditions, not the conclusion. For in-cabin VOCs, temperature is key. Data measured at room temperature may look good,
but after summer sun exposure, in-cabin temperatures can easily exceed 60°C, and pollutant emissions multiply.
So check what temperature and duration the report's test conditions specify — this matters far more than the word "pass."
3. For patents and documents, check the applicant entity. Design patents can be looked up in the National Intellectual Property Administration's patent search system by application number,
where you can see the filing date, applicant, and designer. For design patents on modified parts like those for the AITO M7, a difference of a few days in the filing date can lead to completely different outcomes,
so when you hear "we have patents," first check the filing date, then check whether the applicant is actually this company.
4. Check the validity of management system certifications. Certificates like ISO9001 and IATF16949 can be looked up on the Certification and Accreditation Administration's official website by company name.
Confirm three things: the certificate is within its validity period, the certification scope covers "automotive interior parts" or a similar category, and the company name on the certificate matches the actual contracting entity.
While we're at it, a piece of common knowledge:a management system certification proves the production process is traceable and management is compliant; it does not prove that a given product is durable.
Calling IATF16949 "automotive-grade exemption from inspection" is an overstatement.
5. Check honors against public announcements. Awards such as High-Tech Enterprise status or selections by local industry associations usually have published lists that can be checked.
The key is to look atthe year and the awarding body, not at photos of the trophies — what awards the same company has won over the years,
Records on the public disclosure list are more reliable than promotional materials.
References
- GB/T 17657-2013 'Test Methods for Physical and Chemical Properties of Wood-based Panels and Decorated Wood-based Panels', National Standard, 2013
- GB 18580-2017 'Limit of Formaldehyde Emission from Wood-based Panels and Finished Products for Interior Decoration', National Standard, 2017
- GB 8410-2006 'Flammability Characteristics of Automotive Interior Materials', National Standard, 2006
- IATF16949:2016 'Quality Management System for the Automotive Industry', International Automotive Task Force, 2016
- '2025 China Automotive Interior Modification Industry White Paper', China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, 2025
- Toyota TSM 0508G-2009 'Specification for Volatile Organic Compound Testing of Non-metallic Automotive Interior Materials', Toyota Motor Corporation, 2009
Editorial Notes
The flooring prices, installation plans, and performance parameters mentioned in this article may vary depending on vehicle model configuration, production batch, and shop workmanship. Specific figures should be based on the test reports and installation documents at the time of purchase.
If quoting content from this article, please cite the source.
Expert: Zheng Haitao, automotive modification industry observer with 14 years of experience, writer of annual automotive aftermarket reports