Xiaomi’s Bold Bet: Lei Jun on Cars & Chips
Xiaomi’s “All-In” Gamble: Lei Jun Bets Big on Cars and Chips
Get ready, Xiaomi fans! Our favorite tech giant is gearing up for a monumental event, and it sounds like their founder, Lei Jun, is pulling out all the stops. In a recent Weibo post, Lei Jun teased his upcoming sixth annual speech, scheduled for September 25th, and the theme is nothing short of revolutionary: “Change.” This isn’t just any speech; it’s a deep dive into the stories behind Xiaomi’s ambitious ventures into car manufacturing and a bold restart of their chip development. And trust me, this is one bet you’ll want to watch.
The Audacious “All-In” Strategy
Lei Jun revealed something truly mind-blowing: Xiaomi’s decisions to dive headfirst into building cars and restarting their chip research were made almost simultaneously. This wasn’t a cautious step; it was an “all-in” gamble, pouring the entirety of Xiaomi’s first decade’s worth of accumulated resources into these two massive projects. He even humorously admitted that the financial pressure of having two children starting university at the same time made the decision even bolder, highlighting the sheer magnitude of this commitment.
The response online has been electric. Fans are buzzing with excitement and awe. One Weibo user, @Autumn_Dream, exclaimed, “Xiaomi’s move is so hardcore, cars and chips hand-in-hand, Lei Jun is leading Xiaomi to new heights!” Another, @软媒新友2543710, shared, “Betting the entire ten-year accumulation, Lei Jun’s determination is admirable, but the pressure must be immense.” It’s clear that this high-stakes strategy is seen by many as a pivotal moment for Xiaomi’s brand transformation, while also sparking lively discussions about resource allocation and future market prospects.
Double Down on Innovation: Cars and Chips
Xiaomi’s automotive and self-developed chip initiatives represent two of their most significant strategic priorities in recent years. Back in March 2021, Lei Jun officially announced Xiaomi’s entry into the smart electric vehicle (EV) market, with a commitment to invest a staggering $10 billion over the next decade. The fruits of this labor are already here, with the first car model, the Xiaomi SU7, hitting the market in 2024. And the reception? Nothing short of phenomenal. Online data indicates that the SU7 surpassed an incredible 70,000 orders in its first month alone, showcasing its strong competitive edge in the burgeoning new energy vehicle sector.
Simultaneously, Xiaomi is reigniting its self-developed chip ambitions. The “Xuanjie” (玄戒) chip is seen as a crucial piece of the puzzle for Xiaomi to break through technological barriers and establish a truly closed-loop ecosystem. Industry analyses suggest that this dual-pronged approach, focusing on both chips and cars, is aimed at transforming Xiaomi from a consumer electronics brand into a comprehensive technology powerhouse.
The Speech: A Deeper Dive
Lei Jun also shed light on why this year’s annual speech was delayed. Originally planned for June, coinciding with the Xiaomi SU7 launch, the content turned out to be so extensive and the planned duration so long that it was rescheduled for September. This new date aligns perfectly with the launch of the Xiaomi 17 series flagship phones. IT之家 will be providing in-depth coverage, and we’re all eagerly anticipating more details about the Xuanjie chip and the future roadmap for the SU7.
This speech is more than just a recap of Xiaomi’s strategies; it’s a forward-looking glimpse into the future of technology. As Lei Jun himself put it on Weibo, “Change is never easy, but we are always striving.” The question on everyone’s mind is: will Xiaomi’s bold gamble on cars and chips lead to a qualitative leap forward? We’re certainly on the edge of our seats to find out.
