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Employee morale plummeted as the lack of transparency led to disillusionment with the company's leadership. Many resorted to discussing wage disputes on social media, fearful of censorship yet desperate for help. Videos emerged of deserted offices and testimonials from distraught workers who felt betrayed by the very startup that had once promised a bright future.
The Broader Context of China's Autonomous Driving Industry
Zongmu's collapse is reflective of the challenges facing not only its own operations but the wider context of China's once-booming autonomous driving sector. Despite recent successes in securing funding and launching new products, many companies find themselves trapped in a cycle of aggressive competition, rising costs, and governmental pressure.