Workers work on the assembly line at a factory of vehicle manufacturer BYD Auto in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. File photo: Xinhua

Chinese domestic auto maker BYD intensified a crackdown on corruption in 2021, with 28 suppliers and 94 employees being flagged for violating company regulations while another 22 people involved in seven cases were referred to public security authorities for investigation. 

The company said on Monday through its official Wechat account that employees should not accept gifts, meals, or hospitality from commercial partners outside of the company with the Spring Festival approaching. Employees should report any gifts they receive from commercial partners to the company within three business days, regardless of whether the gift has been refused, received, and returned or handed over to the company. 

The company stressed its zero-tolerance approach against corruption, noting that BYD had investigated and punished 94 people for serious violations while seven cases involving 22 people were referred to responsible authorities for investigation and criminal prosecution in accordance with the law. 

Meanwhile, BYD also noted that commercial partners should not offer any improper benefits to BYD employees and recognize the importance of transparent partnerships, noting that failure to meet these standards will severely affect ongoing cooperation. In 2021, a total of 28 suppliers were held liable for breaches of relevant contracts and cooperative agreements. 

Rewards ranging from 5,000 yuan ($789.94) to 10 million yuan will be provided to outside units for reporting corruption connected to BYD staff, the company said. 

BYD announced on January 21 that due to the significant increase in raw material prices and the impact of the withdrawal of subsidies for new-energy vehicle purchases, the company will adjust official price guidance for a number of models, with increases ranging from 1,000 to 7,000 yuan, which will take effect on February 1. 

According to data released by BYD, the company sold a total of 730,093 cars in 2021, an increase of 75.4 percent year-on-year, of which a total of 593,745 NEVs were sold, up 231.6 percent compared with 2020.