Core Viewpoint - Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, publicly responded to criticisms regarding the safety and design priorities of Xiaomi's cars, emphasizing that the concerns were taken out of context and asserting that safety is a fundamental priority for the company [1][3][5]. Group 1: Response to Criticism - Lei Jun's response included multiple posts on Weibo, where he addressed the allegations that Xiaomi prioritizes aesthetics over safety in its automotive designs [3][8]. - He referenced a past interview where he mentioned that "a car's appearance is the first priority," clarifying that this statement was misinterpreted and that safety is always the foundation [5][7]. - Lei Jun provided evidence from his previous posts to demonstrate that Xiaomi had established stringent safety standards early in the development of its vehicles, highlighting the use of over 90% high-strength steel and aluminum in their construction [7][9]. Group 2: Public Relations Changes - Concurrently with Lei Jun's statements, it was reported that Xiaomi's public relations head, Wang Hua, is set to transition to a new role, raising questions about the timing and implications of this change [2][11]. - Wang Hua has been a key figure in Xiaomi's public relations for a decade, often acting as the spokesperson during controversies [11][14]. - The company is expected to announce Wang Hua's new position soon, and a search for his successor is already underway, indicating a potential shift in Xiaomi's public relations strategy amidst ongoing scrutiny [15][17]. Group 3: Sales Performance - Despite the public relations challenges, Xiaomi's automotive sales have shown significant growth, with October sales reaching 48,654 units, ranking eighth among domestic electric vehicle manufacturers [17][18]. - The sales figures for the Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 models in October were reported at 14,992 and 33,662 units, respectively, indicating strong market performance [18]. - The company is preparing to launch new models, including a six-seat SUV, which could enhance its competitive position in the electric vehicle market [17][19].