Ford Motor Company’s CEO, Jim Farley.Ford Motor Company’s CEO, Jim Farley, recently revealed that his choice of car isn’t from Ford but rather a Xiaomi, a notable consumer electronics brand from China that has ventured into the electric vehicle market. Farley made the disclosure on the Everything Electric Show podcast, explaining that a Xiaomi SU7, imported from Shanghai to Chicago, has been his go-to vehicle for the past six months.
Farley shared that while he typically avoids discussing competitors, he admitted a particular appreciation for Xiaomi's work on the SU7. "I don’t want to give it up," Farley remarked, alluding to the challenges U.S. automakers face from emerging Chinese brands like Xiaomi and BYD.
Xiaomi’s New EV Sparks Demand
Xiaomi's SU7, which debuted as a 2024 model in China, marks the company's bold step into electric vehicles, shifting from its well-established electronics segment to the automotive world. Priced at approximately USD 30,000, the SU7 is equipped with features that typically appear in higher-end models, including an air suspension system, adaptive dampers, and Xiaomi’s proprietary Level 2 and NoA (navigate on autopilot) system. Certified for use in 100 Chinese cities, the SU7’s self-driving tech adds an edge to the vehicle’s allure in the market.
The model quickly caught public attention in China, where Xiaomi reported selling out its entire production run for 2024 on the launch day, with pre-orders exceeding 100,000 units before the first vehicle hit the streets.
It is common for auto industry leaders to test-drive competitors’ models to stay informed. Farley’s open approval of the Xiaomi SU7, especially given his usual reticence to spotlight rival brands, underscores how U.S. manufacturers are paying heed to the competitive designs coming from China.
