Lei Jun, the co-founder and CEO of Xiaomi, made a surprising announcement today as he revealed his decision to temporarily step away from the company’s phone business to focus on the automotive sector. This move comes as Xiaomi gears up for the nationwide road testing of its first car, the Xiaomi SU7.
“Xiaomi SU7 is undergoing comprehensive road testing nationwide. We are currently making final preparations for the launch of Xiaomi SU7, and we have to invest more energy,” Lei Jun stated, emphasizing the need for his increased focus on the automotive business.
In light of Lei Jun’s decision, Lu Weibing, the group president of Xiaomi, has been appointed as the general manager of the Xiaomi brand and will also become the speaker at future Xiaomi mobile phone conferences, starting with the Xiaomi Mi 14 Ultra.
Assuring supporters that the mobile phone business remains Xiaomi’s core focus, Lei Jun reiterated his commitment to dedicating sufficient energy to it, despite his current shift towards the automotive sector.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi Motors’ first car, the SU7, is set to enter the Start of Production (SOP) stage in mid-to-late February, with plans for mass production to commence. The production volume in March is projected to reach approximately 2,000 vehicles, with further ramp-up expected to exceed 10,000 vehicles by July 2024.
Industry insiders have noted that Xiaomi Motors’ mass production progress aligns with established automotive companies’ norms, reflecting confidence and a deliberate approach rather than radical acceleration.
As Lei Jun embarks on this new venture, the future of Xiaomi’s automotive foray will undoubtedly be closely watched by the industry and consumers alike.
The original news article was reported by Kuai Technology and was republished here.