未验车先交几十万，小米被曝催收尾款：否则取消订单定金作废，车主炸锅：又不是买白菜

Core Viewpoint - Xiaomi is facing backlash from car owners due to aggressive demands for payment of remaining balances before vehicle delivery, leading to dissatisfaction and loss of trust among customers [3][19][27]. Payment Terms - Xiaomi's purchase agreement stipulates that customers must pay the remaining balance within seven days of receiving a payment notification, with failure to do so resulting in order cancellation and forfeiture of the deposit [2][6][9]. - The company has been reported to request early payment under certain conditions, such as when a vehicle is about to be produced or if there is a high likelihood that the customer will not take delivery [9][10][12]. Customer Reactions - Many customers, including those who have invested significant amounts (up to 500,000 yuan), express frustration over being pressured to pay for vehicles that have not yet been delivered, especially amid concerns about potential vehicle issues [3][6][22]. - Some customers have resorted to creative means to reclaim their deposits, indicating a high level of dissatisfaction with Xiaomi's practices [13][25]. Market Context - Xiaomi's rapid growth in vehicle deliveries, with over 311,700 units delivered in 15 months, has drawn scrutiny as the company navigates challenges such as production delays and customer trust issues [6][27]. - The automotive industry typically allows for payment upon delivery, contrasting with Xiaomi's approach, which has not been adopted by other manufacturers [7][8]. Legal Perspectives - Legal experts suggest that Xiaomi's payment demands may not be enforceable if they are deemed unreasonable or if the company fails to adequately inform customers of their obligations [11][26]. - The company has been accused of not fulfilling its duty to clarify significant terms in the purchase agreement, which could lead to legal challenges from dissatisfied customers [26]. Competitive Landscape - Xiaomi's aggressive payment collection strategy may be a response to competition from other automakers, as customers consider alternatives due to long wait times and delivery uncertainties [27][28]. - The company is under pressure to improve production capacity and delivery efficiency to retain customer loyalty and avoid losing market share to competitors [27][29].