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]