A BYD store in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province Photo: VCG

Authorities of Changsha, Central China’s Hunan Province dispatched a special investigation group on Sunday to local BYD factory for public reports of air pollution from the plant. 

The group includes functional department of government, third-party test firms and experts, the local government confirmed via its official WeChat account. 

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD on Saturday clarifies recent online allegations that excessive factory emissions from its plant in Changsha caused nosebleed. The company said the emissions comply with national regulations and standards.

The emission of a BYD Auto factory in Yuhua district of Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province, which started operation in 2012, complies with national regulations and standards, according to a statement the company released on Saturday night.

In response to earlier media reports that local residents complain about the odor caused by the plant, the company said in the statement that it has taken relevant measures to improve the situation.

The company's clarification came after it is caught in a public opinion storm triggered by a viral post on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo which said "emissions of the plant caused nosebleed of hundreds of children live nearby."

Regarding the situation of "excessive emissions causing nosebleeds" on the internet, "it is a maliciously fabricated connection," the company said, adding that it has called the police on the case.

Global Times