CNBC AI News – August 19th – Ahead of his groundbreaking entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun reportedly engaged in a lengthy two-hour phone conversation with Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto. The revelation surfaced in the latest episode of “The Crossroads of Luo Yonghao,” a popular Chinese business talk show.
Li Xiang characterized Lei Jun as a “super product manager” akin to himself within the current wave of Chinese EV startups, subtly suggesting a shared aptitude for developing exceptional products.
The conversation was sparked when Luo Yonghao directly asked Li Xiang if he felt any pressure upon learning of Lei Jun’s automotive aspirations.
“Not at all,” Li Xiang responded, explaining that Lei Jun had personally reached out to him. “We spoke for nearly two hours. He wanted my perspectives on Tesla, BYD, and Huawei. He asked for just one piece of advice regarding Xiaomi’s entry into the EV space.”
Li Xiang’s advice was unequivocal: “Don’t delegate. Go all-in yourself—only then can you succeed.”
Li Xiang further added that both Lei Jun and the Xiaomi team had provided valuable assistance to Li Auto as it navigated early challenges.
This isn’t the first glimpse into the camaraderie (and perhaps competition) amongst China’s EV titans. In July, during an interview on CCTV’s “Dialogue,” Li Xiang alluded to frequent private gatherings with Lei Jun, Nio’s William Li, and Xpeng’s He Xiaopeng.
When the interviewer questioned the potential disadvantages of knowing one’s competitors so intimately, Li Xiang summarized their dynamic with four words: “Mutual Candor.”
“We say what’s on our minds. The level of honesty is…indisclosable,” Li Xiang stated. “This includes offering particularly beneficial advice, even if it might be uncomfortable for the recipient to hear.” The implication? The intense battle for EV dominance in China is tempered by a surprising degree of open communication and shared growth strategies amongst its key players.
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