Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Xiaomi in the automotive sector, particularly following the rapid rise in popularity of its electric vehicle, the SU7, and the subsequent issues related to safety, customer satisfaction, and public perception [5][10][37]. Group 1: Xiaomi's Automotive Success and Challenges - Xiaomi's founder, Lei Jun, saw a significant increase in wealth, ranking eighth in China with a fortune of 220 billion yuan, largely due to the success of Xiaomi's automotive venture [5]. - Despite initial success, Xiaomi's automotive sales have recently declined for three consecutive weeks, indicating potential challenges in sustaining momentum [8]. - The company is facing scrutiny following a serious accident involving the SU7, leading to increased public concern over the safety of its autonomous driving features [10][13]. Group 2: Customer Relations and Controversies - The "horsepower limit" incident, where the SU7 Ultra's performance was restricted unless certain conditions were met, led to customer dissatisfaction and accusations of misleading marketing [14][20]. - Xiaomi's response to the horsepower limit issue included an apology and a commitment to address customer feedback, but the situation highlighted a lack of clear communication with users [20][28]. - The "carbon cover" controversy arose when customers expected the production model to match the prototype's specifications, leading to protests and demands for refunds from dissatisfied customers [23][33]. Group 3: Brand Image and Market Position - The article emphasizes the strong association between Xiaomi and its founder, Lei Jun, suggesting that public perception of the company is heavily influenced by his personal brand [39][40]. - The challenges faced by Xiaomi in the automotive sector reflect broader issues in the industry, where high expectations set by marketing can lead to significant backlash if not met [44]. - The article suggests that Xiaomi may need to adopt a more cautious approach in its automotive strategy to avoid further reputational damage and customer dissatisfaction [45].
小米「失速」,雷军也累了