A few months ago, I was rewatching one of Lei Jun’s early product launches. The one where he was nervous, stiff, and got laughed at by half the internet. But something struck me: Most founders would hide after that.Lei Jun didn’t. He came back on stage again. And again.And again.Until suddenly—people weren’t laughing anymore. They…
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Hedge Funds Are Turning Against Xiaomi. But Should They?
According to a recent Bloomberg report, hedge funds have piled into short positions on Xiaomi just weeks before its Q3 earnings. Goldman Sachs’ data shows short interest in Xiaomi surged 53% in one week – A clear sign that institutional investors are losing confidence, at least in the short term. Why?• Slower-than-expected EV rollout• Rising…
When a Cleaning Lady Became Lexus’ Viral Star
Recently, a Lexus dealership in Harbin, China, invited a 58-year-old cleaning lady — part of the dealership’s janitorial staff — to introduce their cars on camera. To everyone’s surprise, her video went viral — over 5 million views — while the dealership’s usual videos barely reached a few thousand. It seems accidental, but it actually…
When a Smartphone Company Builds a Full-Size SUV
A few years ago, many laughed at the idea of Xiaomi making cars. Now, its upcoming YU9– A full-size, 3-row SUV — is turning heads before launch. – Range-extended hybrid: 1.5L turbo + dual motors– Up to 1,500 km range– Around ¥350K–¥450K (~US $49–63K) But what matters more than specs is the mindset. Xiaomi isn’t…
The $3 Part That Can Define a $50,000 Car
A few years ago, I watched a senior engineer stare at a small rubber gasket on his desk. It was the size of a coin — nothing special at first glance. But that tiny part had caused thousands of engine oil leaks. It triggered recalls, warranty claims, and customer frustration. Not because the engine was…
When an engineer cried for quality. It wasn’t about the part. It was about pride.
Years ago, Chery CEO Yin Tongyue was involved in a CKD project that used components imported from Germany. During an inspection, a German quality engineer discovered that several damaged parts had been repaired and reused. On the spot, the engineer broke down in tears — not out of anger, but heartbreak. He believed the act…
Why BBA’s Reliability Crisis Is Accelerating Their Fall in China
For years, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi — the “BBA” trio ruled China’s premium car market. Their names stood for precision engineering and German craftsmanship. But that story is breaking down fast. Today, BBA faces declining sales, shrinking market share, and a growing reputation problem — and reliability is at the heart of it. ⚙️ The…
Xiaomi vs. BYD: A Tale of Two Strategies in China’s EV Market
China’s EV market is no stranger to fierce competition. But today’s most interesting rivalry is between two very different players: 🔹 Xiaomi Auto – the newcomer. Best known for smartphones, Xiaomi entered the EV market in 2024 with the SU7 sedan. Demand has been strong—over 300,000 deliveries by mid-2025. Its strength lies in software integration,…
How Lei Jun Handled the SU7 PR Crisis: A Masterclass in Strategic Silence?
On March 29, a serious accident involving the Xiaomi SU7 made headlines and sparked wide online debate. If you follow Lei Jun on Weibo, you may have noticed something striking: – April 1: He made a single brief remark addressing the incident. – Then, complete silence. – April 5: He posted again, but only to…
Why Xiaomi Fake the exhaust sound for SU7?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are quiet by nature– No engine revs, no exhaust growl. For many, that silence is a feature. For others, especially enthusiasts, it feels like something is missing. That’s why EV makers are becoming sound designers. In traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, the sound of acceleration – The rising RPM, the growl…