Xiaomi SU7: Ford CEO Calls it “China’s Apple”

Xiaomi SU7 Ford. # Ford CEO Praises Xiaomi SU7: “China’s Apple” and Porsche Taycan Rival

It’s not every day you hear a Ford CEO gushing about a Chinese electric car, but that’s precisely what’s happening. Jim Farley, the head honcho at Ford, is singing the praises of the Xiaomi SU7, calling it “China’s Apple” and comparing its driving experience to a Porsche Taycan. This unexpected admiration is sending shockwaves through the automotive industry, forcing even established giants like Ford to re-evaluate their strategies in the face of rapidly advancing Chinese technology. But what makes the Xiaomi SU7 so special?

Ford’s Shocking Turnaround: From Muscle Cars to Xiaomi SU7

Jim Farley, a self-proclaimed gasoline muscle car enthusiast, has surprised many by adopting the Xiaomi SU7 as his daily driver. This dramatic shift came after a trip to China in 2024, where Farley tasked his team with evaluating the top five Chinese electric sedans. The cars were shipped to Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, for a thorough teardown and analysis. Among the contenders, the Xiaomi SU7 stood out, leaving Farley genuinely impressed.

“Technologically Superior”: Farley’s Impression of the Xiaomi SU7

In a recent interview, Farley raved about the Xiaomi SU7, stating, “As soon as you sit inside the SU7, you immediately feel that you are facing something technologically superior to many European luxury cars.” He was particularly impressed by the facial recognition system, which eliminates the need for phone pairing. “You get in, it recognizes your face, and that’s it. You have an AI assistant on board, and if you floor it, you go from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds. Driving it is very similar to a Porsche Taycan.” Learn more about Xiaomi’s innovations on our technology page.

Xiaomi SU7: China’s Apple in the Auto World

Farley didn’t hold back in his comparison, stating, “Xiaomi is the Apple of China. Its success doesn’t surprise me at all.” He further added a statement that resonated deeply within Ford: “Ford already lost Japan and Korea. We cannot afford to lose China. I have been very clear with the team: if even the CEO respects Chinese competition, everyone in the company has to do the same.” The tech giant Xiaomi is truly making waves!

A Wake-Up Call for Ford and the Western Auto Industry

The history of Ford and Asian automakers highlights the potential for disruption. In the 1960s, Hyundai assembled Ford models. Decades later, Ford held a stake in Kia until Hyundai bailed them out of bankruptcy in 1998. This history makes Farley’s current stance even more impactful. Losing ground to Asian competitors isn’t a new phenomenon for Ford, and Farley is determined to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Addressing the Technological Gap

Recognizing the technological lag, Farley hired Doug Field, former chief engineer of the Tesla Model 3 and ex-head of Apple’s car project, in 2021. Field didn’t mince words, telling Farley, “Jim, your supplier systems, IT architecture, and CAD tools are 25 years behind. There’s no way to compete with BYD or anyone like that.” It was a stark assessment that prompted significant changes within Ford. You can explore more Tech News related to this shift.

The Xiaomi SU7: A Mirror for Ford’s Future

Today, the Xiaomi SU7 is more than just Farley’s personal vehicle; it’s a benchmark for Ford. The SU7 combines sleek design, blistering acceleration, and a cutting-edge digital experience that, according to Farley, surpasses many European premium brands. The praise for the SU7 has also been noticed by ITHOME.

• Key Features Farley Admired:
  • Facial recognition for seamless entry and personalized settings.
  • Integrated AI assistant for enhanced user experience.
  • Blazing-fast acceleration (0-100 km/h in 3 seconds).
  • Overall technologically advanced feel compared to European luxury cars.
  • Consider exploring Xiaomi Car for more information

The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, and traditional American and European automakers are under pressure to keep pace. The fact that Ford’s CEO is driving a Chinese electric car daily and comparing it to Apple and Porsche isn’t just a curiosity; it’s a clear sign that the revolution is already here. It serves as a potent message to the entire industry: adapt or risk falling behind. Don’t miss out on the latest updates on HyperOS and how it’s shaping the future of Xiaomi devices!