Xiaomi CEO Acknowledges They Purchased Teslas and Dismantled Them to Uncover All Their Secrets | Carscoops

      Lei Jun mentioned that Xiaomi took apart three Tesla Model Ys to examine each component and compare them with the new YU7 SUV.

      During a live event, the CEO referred to the Model Y as “very, very outstanding.”

      In just 18 hours after its launch, the YU7 garnered more than 240,000 orders, resulting in extended wait times.

      Xiaomi's rapid ascent to become one of the leading car brands in China can be attributed largely to its success as a well-known consumer electronics brand. The SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV have already shown competitiveness, although they have encountered some initial challenges. Nonetheless, Xiaomi's leadership has emphasized the significance of learning from competitors like Tesla.

      While addressing an audience in China, Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun revealed that this year, the company acquired three Tesla Model Ys and meticulously disassembled them to analyze every single part. It is likely that a similar strategy was employed with the Model 3 when creating the SU7.

      This method is not unique to Xiaomi; in the automotive industry and elsewhere, dismantling competitors' products is a common benchmarking technique. Electronics companies frequently break down smartphones and processors, while auto manufacturers purchase rival vehicles, deconstructing them completely to examine aspects such as materials, software, and manufacturing methods.

      Even Ferrari has been subject to speculation after a Xiaomi SU7 was observed leaving its Maranello headquarters, raising the possibility that it was compared to Ferrari’s first dedicated electric model.

      “We bought 3 Model Ys at the beginning of this year, dismantling the parts one by one, and studied every component individually,” Lei stated during the event, according to Business Insider.

      Throughout his presentation at the Beijing National Convention Center, Jun praised the Tesla Model Y and presented a side-by-side comparison with the new YU7. Unlike many industry leaders, Xiaomi’s CEO did not assert that their latest model would surpass Elon Musk’s popular vehicle.

      He told attendees, “If you don’t choose the YU7, you can consider the Model Y. I’m not criticizing the Model Y,” he stated. “The Model Y is a very, very outstanding car.”

      Just last month, Lei utilized social media to urge potential EV buyers to consider their options beyond Xiaomi and the YU7, as the company is grappling with a significant order backlog. In fact, within 18 hours of launching the YU7, Xiaomi received approximately 240,000 orders, and some customers were informed they would need to wait over a year for delivery.

      Confronted with this backlog, Lei suggested that shoppers look at alternatives instead of remaining idle in the waiting line. He recommended the Xpeng G7, Li Auto i8, and once again, Tesla’s Model Y.