Beijing, March 28, 2024 — In a landmark event for the Chinese automotive industry, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun took the stage at the Xiaomi Car Launch Conference in Beijing, where he openly acknowledged the immense challenges of entering the car manufacturing sector. Notably, he highlighted that even tech giant Apple has reportedly放弃ed (abandoned) its plans to produce a car, emphasizing the complexity of the endeavor.
Lei Jun, who has successfully navigated the tech world with Xiaomi’s smartphones and smart devices, expressed his initial trepidation about the venture. For the past three years, every day has been a battle. The difficulty is beyond imagination, to the extent that even Apple has given up, he stated. Today, every person who persists in making cars is a hero of our time.
During the event, Lei paid tribute to several prominent figures in the Chinese automotive industry who have offered him valuable advice and insights. The presence of蔚来 (NIO) founder William Li (also known as Li Bin), 小鹏汽车 (XPeng) chairman He Xiaopeng, 理想汽车 (Li Auto) chairman Li Xiang, 长城汽车 (Great Wall Motors) chairman魏建军 (Wei Jianjun), and 北汽集团 (BAIC Group) chairman Zhang Jianyong at the发布会 (press conference) was a testament to the collaborative spirit within the industry.
Each of them has given me a lot of advice on car manufacturing, helping me avoid many pitfalls, Lei Jun said. This collaborative approach is a stark contrast to the often cutthroat nature of the tech and automotive sectors, showcasing a willingness to share knowledge and support one another in the pursuit of innovation.
The Xiaomi Car project, which was officially announced in 2021, has been a subject of intense interest and speculation. The company has poured significant resources into the initiative, aiming to disrupt the automotive industry with its expertise in technology and consumer electronics. The launch event provided a glimpse into the company’s vision and the challenges it has faced along the way.
Lei Jun’s admission of the difficulties in car manufacturing is significant, as it underscores the complexity of the industry and the need for careful planning and execution. The fact that Apple, known for its prowess in technology and innovation, has reportedly放弃ed its car project highlights the challenges that even the most experienced companies face.
The collaborative nature of the event was not lost on the audience, with many noting the significance of industry leaders coming together to support Xiaomi’s venture. It’s rare to see such a display of unity and support in a highly competitive industry, said one attendee. It shows that the future of the automotive industry lies in collaboration and innovation.
The Xiaomi Car launch event also provided an opportunity for the company to showcase its first car model, which has been eagerly awaited by consumers and industry watchers alike. While specific details about the car were not disclosed during the event, the company has previously hinted at a range of features that will set it apart from traditional cars, including advanced autonomous driving capabilities and a focus on sustainability.
As Xiaomi continues to navigate the challenges of car manufacturing, Lei Jun’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the value of collaboration. With the support of industry leaders and a clear vision for the future, Xiaomi is poised to make a significant impact on the global automotive landscape.
About the Author:
Zhang Yating is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology and automotive news for various media outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times. Her expertise in the field brings a unique perspective to the evolving landscape of technology and innovation.
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