Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent challenges faced by Xiaomi and its founder Lei Jun, particularly in light of a serious accident involving the Xiaomi SU7 vehicle, which has raised significant public scrutiny and impacted the company's reputation in the automotive sector [4][9][10]. Summary by Sections Industry Context - The automotive industry is experiencing rapid growth, with established supply chains and consumer habits becoming more mature, which Xiaomi aims to leverage as it enters the market [3][9]. - The recent accident involving the Xiaomi SU7 has drawn attention from regulatory bodies and has the potential to slow down the advancement of intelligent driving technologies in China [9][10]. Company Performance - Prior to the accident, Xiaomi's automotive sales were strong, with the company achieving a delivery volume of 200,000 vehicles within a year of entering the market [13]. - Despite the challenges, Xiaomi's core smartphone business remains robust, and the company is projected to achieve record performance in 2024 [9][10]. Lei Jun's Leadership Challenges - Lei Jun has faced numerous setbacks throughout his career, including failed ventures and significant challenges at Xiaomi, which have shaped his approach to leadership and business strategy [6][8][12]. - The recent accident has been described by Lei Jun as the most difficult period since founding Xiaomi, highlighting the emotional and reputational toll of the incident [9][10]. Response to Crisis - In response to the accident, Lei Jun has emphasized the need for higher standards and accountability, recognizing that Xiaomi must now operate with the responsibilities of a major industry player [10][18]. - The company is focusing on improving its governance and operational performance to address public concerns and restore its reputation [17][18]. Future Directions - Moving forward, Xiaomi is expected to enhance its research and development efforts, particularly in safety and manufacturing precision, to align with the automotive industry's stringent requirements [18][19]. - There is a need for Xiaomi to transition from a founder-centric model to a more decentralized organizational structure to mitigate systemic risks and foster sustainable growth in the automotive sector [19][20].

Core Points - Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, is currently facing significant challenges following a serious traffic accident involving the Xiaomi SU7, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals [1][6] - The incident has led to heightened scrutiny of Xiaomi's automotive division and raised concerns about product safety and corporate responsibility [6][11] - Despite the challenges, Xiaomi's core smartphone business remains strong, and the company has achieved impressive sales figures in the automotive sector [6][10] Group 1: Recent Events - Lei Jun's recent comments indicate that the past month has been one of the most difficult periods since founding Xiaomi, highlighting the impact of the SU7 accident [2][5] - The accident has drawn significant media attention and has the potential to delay the advancement of intelligent driving technology in China [6][10] - Following the accident, Xiaomi's planned 15th-anniversary celebrations were canceled, and Lei Jun was absent from the Shanghai Auto Show [1][6] Group 2: Company Performance - Prior to the accident, Xiaomi's automotive sales were strong, with the company achieving a delivery volume of 200,000 vehicles within a year of launching its automotive division [8][10] - Xiaomi's stock performance had been positive, and Lei Jun was regarded as a leading figure in the industry, with a large following on social media [1][6] - The company is expected to achieve record performance in 2024, with projections indicating a return to the top position in the Chinese smartphone market by Q1 2025 [6][10] Group 3: Historical Context - Lei Jun's career has been marked by ups and downs, including early failures in entrepreneurship and challenges faced during his tenure at Kingsoft [3][4][8] - The establishment of Xiaomi in 2010 was a pivotal moment, as the company quickly gained market attention with its innovative smartphone offerings [3][8] - Lei Jun's philosophy of "going with the flow" has been a guiding principle in his business strategy, allowing Xiaomi to capitalize on market trends [8][10] Group 4: Future Considerations - The recent crisis has prompted Lei Jun to emphasize the need for Xiaomi to adopt higher standards and responsibilities as a leading company in the automotive industry [2][7] - There is a recognition that the automotive sector requires a different approach compared to consumer electronics, necessitating increased investment in research and development [11] - Moving forward, Xiaomi must balance the founder's influence with the need for organizational evolution to ensure the long-term success of its automotive division [11][12]

Group 1 - The core idea of the article revolves around Lei Jun's entrepreneurial journey in the internet sector, emphasizing his deep reflections on the internet, learning from various companies, and the evolution of Xiaomi [1][2] - Lei Jun views the internet primarily as a tool, predicting that all companies will eventually become internet companies. He believes that the internet represents a revolutionary change in mindset, focusing on open collaboration, machine-driven profits, word-of-mouth marketing, efficient management, service provision, and rapid growth [1][2][19] - Before founding Xiaomi, Lei Jun drew inspiration from companies like Tongrentang, Haidilao, Walmart, and Costco, focusing on quality products, exceptional service, low-margin high-efficiency operations, and community engagement through Xiaomi's platform [1][2][28] Group 2 - Lei Jun's cautious nature led to missed opportunities during the early internet boom at Kingsoft. His departure from Kingsoft marked a turning point, allowing him to regain confidence and experience before launching Xiaomi at the age of 40 with a commitment to innovation [2][3] - The external perception of Lei Jun and Xiaomi has been mixed, with initial praise for Xiaomi's internet model, followed by skepticism as competitors like OPPO and VIVO emerged. Lei Jun maintains that Xiaomi's growth phase is normal and that acceptance of its model may take up to 15 years [2][3] - Despite challenges such as low yield rates for products like Xiaomi MIX, Lei Jun remains committed to technological innovation and cost-based pricing, reflecting Xiaomi's core values [2][3]