Xiaomi

Chinese EV makers are aggressively shortening supplier payment cycles, with a 60-day target becoming the new standard. Companies including Geely, Changan, and major state-owned enterprises are implementing this, intensifying competition. Xiaomi, showing forward-thinking supply chain management, has already adopted a 60-day model, offering faster payments than industry norms, thereby fostering supplier loyalty and innovation. Their flexible approach includes immediate payments for some orders and supply chain financing, though the latter raises some concerns. This shift allows suppliers to focus on R&D and quality.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun confirmed he pays for his own company’s cars, including the upcoming YU7. Having previously paid for his SU7 Ultra, he had to wait for delivery like any other customer. Speculation surrounds the YU7’s pricing, expected to compete with Tesla’s Model Y; analysts predict a price around RMB 250,000, while consumers await the official announcement, wondering what price point will make it a compelling purchase.

Kingsoft Office appointed Lei Jun, the founder and de facto controlling shareholder, as Honorary Chairman. Jun, with his extensive experience in technical innovation and management, will provide strategic guidance without receiving compensation. His advisory role is expected to contribute to the company’s growth, reflecting his long history with the company since 1992 and his other entrepreneurial ventures.

Former Meizu executive Li Nan sparked debate on CNBC AI News by criticizing the extremist elements within Xiaomi and Huawei fanbases. He observed that Huawei’s most extreme fans display poorer conduct, often deploying nationalistic arguments and resembling “coal barons.” Discussions evolved to include classifications of fans and their motivations, with Li Nan favoring the “stupid but poor” scenario for maximizing readers’ happiness.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun highlighted the SU7’s success as proof of their focused automotive strategy. Lei contrasts their single-model approach with competitors, emphasizing their proven “Xiaomi Model” methodology. Early interest in the upcoming YU7 surpasses that of the SU7, attracting a wider audience. While optimistic, Xiaomi remains cautious, accelerating preparations for the YU7’s launch, aiming for further growth.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun stated the company will avoid a price war, focusing on sustainable growth in the automotive sector. Xiaomi aims for a long-term hardware profit margin capped at 5% and plans to produce its own automotive chips. The YU7 standard edition pricing will be decided just before launch. The company projects its automotive, chip, and other new ventures will achieve profitability in Q3 or Q4, supported by strong Q1 performance and significant investment in intelligent driving system R&D.

Xiaomi’s stock is trading around HK$53.2, nearing a previous high. Its P/E ratio of 54 indicates strong growth potential. Facing the question of whether to buy, CEO Lei Jun emphasizes Xiaomi’s improving fundamentals and long-term performance, expressing confidence in future growth for long-term investors.

Xiaomi is combating speculation surrounding the pricing of its upcoming YU7 electric vehicle. The company issued a statement dismissing all circulating price estimates as unfounded, urging consumers to await official announcements. Company executives, including Wang Hua, emphasized pricing will only be confirmed just before the launch. Xiaomi also aims for its automotive division to achieve profitability this year, with significant investment in intelligent driving development.

Xiaomi’s founder, Lei Jun, revealed strategic updates, hinting at a transformed approach to the EV market. The YU7 model’s pricing deviates from initial speculations. Xiaomi aims for automotive division profitability as early as Q3/Q4, driven by technological innovation. The company invests heavily in AD and chip design to boost competitiveness. Robotics are also making progress, while Xiaomi maintains a 5% profit margin on hardware, signaling disruption in the competitive landscape.

Xiaomi partner Pan Jiutang commented on China’s EV market, highlighting the diverse approaches of key players like SAIC, BYD, Huawei, and Xiaomi itself. He emphasized the importance of market forces and consumer choice over internal evaluations of competitors. This followed public comments from another tech executive, reflecting the intense competition and evolving dynamics of the burgeoning Chinese EV industry.