Core Viewpoint - The incident involving the Xiaomi SU7 car crash on March 29, 2025, has resulted in significant public backlash against the company and its founder Lei Jun, drawing parallels to previous controversies in the entertainment industry [1][3][12]. Group 1: Incident Details - On March 29, 2025, a Xiaomi SU7 crashed into a construction barrier, leading to a fire that claimed the lives of three young women [1]. - The victims' families raised concerns about the car's safety features, including claims of spontaneous combustion and locked doors preventing escape [3]. - Xiaomi's delayed response to the incident allowed public sentiment to escalate, with Lei Jun later stating that the company would not evade responsibility and would cooperate with investigations [3][4]. Group 2: Brand and Public Image - Lei Jun's public persona, which had been cultivated as a friendly and approachable figure, faced a severe crisis following the accident, contrasting sharply with his previous image as a "top internet celebrity entrepreneur" [4][5]. - The incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with entrepreneurs becoming deeply intertwined with their brands, as any misstep can lead to significant reputational damage [14]. - Following the crash, Xiaomi's stock dropped nearly 10% within two days, resulting in a market value loss of over 120 billion HKD [12][13]. Group 3: Marketing and Sales Performance - Xiaomi's automotive division reported a revenue of 16.7 billion CNY in Q4 of the previous year, with a gross margin of 20.4%, indicating strong financial performance prior to the incident [7]. - The SU7 model achieved impressive sales figures, with over 136,900 units sold in its first year, surpassing competitors like NIO and Xpeng [6][7]. - The company has set a delivery target of 350,000 vehicles for 2025, reflecting its ambitious growth plans in the automotive sector [7]. Group 4: Broader Implications for the Industry - The incident serves as a cautionary tale for other entrepreneurs who seek to leverage their personal brands in the digital age, highlighting the potential for backlash when public expectations are not met [12][14]. - The phenomenon of "celebrity entrepreneurs" is becoming more common, but the risks associated with this trend are significant, as seen in the case of Lei Jun and Xiaomi [9][10].