During his annual address, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun openly discussed the competition between Tesla’s Model Y and Xiaomi’s own YU7, adding fresh candor to the conversation on electric vehicle innovations in China. As local consumers show growing interest in both models, Xiaomi’s approach to understanding competitors has taken a more transparent turn. Lei’s remarks offered insights not only into the company’s strategy, but also into his personal views regarding Tesla’s achievements in the EV sector.
While earlier reports about Xiaomi and Tesla largely focused on product launches, market entry challenges, and ambitions for the YU7, this latest disclosure brings direct quotes from Xiaomi’s leadership into the spotlight. Previously, Xiaomi maintained a more reserved tone regarding competitors, prioritizing its own development. This new openness from Lei, especially detailing their in-house teardown of several Model Y vehicles, marks a departure from prior communications and provides the public with a clearer understanding of how seriously Xiaomi is benchmarking itself against Tesla.
How did Xiaomi study the Model Y?
According to Lei Jun, Xiaomi purchased three Tesla Model Y units earlier this year for internal research. This hands-on approach allowed the company’s engineering teams to closely analyze the technology, components, and design philosophy behind one of their closest rivals.
“We bought three Tesla Model Ys for disassembly and research inside Xiaomi earlier this year. What a great vehicle,”
Lei Jun remarked, underscoring both the thoroughness of their study and his appreciation for the rival product.
What does the CEO recommend to customers?
In an unusually candid suggestion for a corporate leader, Lei recommended that if customers are not drawn to the Xiaomi YU7, they should consider the Tesla Model Y. This gesture reflects confidence in Xiaomi’s own product, but also recognizes the strengths of competitors in the market.
“If you don’t like Xiaomi YU7, you can choose Model Y,”
he said, suggesting that both manufacturers present strong options for EV buyers.
Why does Lei Jun respect Tesla’s leadership?
Lei Jun’s respect extends beyond branding or the reputation of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He identified concrete areas where Tesla leads, specifically pointing to energy efficiency and advanced driver assistance technologies such as Full Self-Driving (FSD). After congratulating Tesla on their recent advancements in driverless vehicle delivery in Austin, Lei acknowledged several domains in which he believes Tesla maintains industry leadership. He stated that there are many lessons to learn from the Model Y, particularly in energy consumption, autonomous software, and other technical features.
The dialogue between Xiaomi and Tesla highlights the current dynamics of China’s competitive electric vehicle market, where open acknowledgment of rivals and learning from industry benchmarks may become increasingly common. For readers considering electric vehicles, these statements suggest it’s prudent to assess both the technical and user experience aspects of each option. By studying successful rivals such as Tesla, companies like Xiaomi may accelerate improvements in their own offerings, ultimately benefiting consumers with better choices and advancements in EV technology.
- Xiaomi’s CEO applauded Tesla Model Y for its technical sophistication.
- Xiaomi directly analyzed several Model Y units for product development insights.
- Lei Jun advised consumers to consider both Xiaomi YU7 and Tesla Model Y.
