True Motion Auto requires at least two independent, credible sources — or one on-the-record manufacturer/regulator statement — before treating an automotive claim as confirmed. Genuine rumours we choose to cover are explicitly labeled as unconfirmed in the headline and body, with our confidence level and sourcing basis stated plainly, rather than presented as fact.
At a glance
| Claim status | Requirement to publish |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | Official manufacturer/regulator statement, or 2+ independent sources |
| Credible rumour | Explicitly labeled as unconfirmed; sourcing basis stated |
| Single unverified source | Not published as a standalone news item |
| Later confirmed or debunked | Original piece updated and logged |
Why automotive news needs a rumour policy
Automotive media has a long history of unverified leaks — spy shots, alleged spec sheets, anonymous 'sources familiar with the matter' — some of which turn out true and plenty of which don't. A clear policy on what we will and won't publish, and how we label uncertainty, protects reader trust more than chasing every rumour for traffic.
Our verification threshold
- Confirmed status requires either an on-the-record statement from the manufacturer or relevant regulator, or independent corroboration from two credible, separate sources with no shared original source.
- Credible rumour status applies when a claim comes from a source with a track record of accuracy (a known industry insider, a credible outlet with sourcing standards) but lacks official confirmation — we may cover it, but only with explicit unconfirmed labeling.
- Below threshold claims — single anonymous social media posts, unverified forum leaks with no track record — are not published as standalone news items, though we may reference them briefly within a larger piece if directly relevant and clearly labeled.
How we label uncertainty
When we do cover a credible rumour, the headline and opening paragraph state plainly that it's unconfirmed, name the type of source (without necessarily naming the specific outlet if it requires anonymity), and avoid presenting speculative details — pricing, exact launch dates, specs — as settled fact. We also state what would need to happen for us to treat the claim as confirmed.
What happens after
- If the claim is later officially confirmed, the article is updated to reflect confirmed status and the update is logged.
- If the claim is officially denied or proven false, the article is updated with the correction prominently noted, not quietly edited.
- If the claim simply goes unaddressed for an extended period, we periodically note that it remains unconfirmed rather than letting the piece imply resolution that hasn't happened.
Two sources repeating the same original leak are not two independent sources. We check whether corroborating sources actually have separate origins before treating a claim as confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
How many sources does True Motion Auto need to confirm a claim?
Does True Motion Auto publish unconfirmed automotive rumours?
What happens if a published rumour turns out to be false?
Why don't you cover every automotive leak?
How do you tell if two sources are actually independent?
Sources & further reading
- Society of Professional Journalists — Code of Ethics
- Poynter — Verification and fact-checking resources
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
