Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Lei Jun and Xiaomi, highlighting the backlash against Lei's call to combat online misinformation and the perception of arrogance following a recent car accident involving a Xiaomi vehicle [4][5]. Group 1: Public Perception and Criticism - Lei Jun has been criticized for being labeled an opportunist and for his approach to business, with emphasis on the need for both hard work and seizing opportunities [1]. - Following a serious incident involving a Xiaomi vehicle, public sentiment has turned against Lei's call to resist online attacks, with many interpreting it as dismissive of legitimate safety concerns [4]. - Critics argue that Xiaomi's response to public criticism reflects a failure to fully embrace a consumer-first philosophy, as noted by former Global Times editor Hu Xijin [4]. Group 2: Industry Context and Reactions - The automotive industry is characterized by intense scrutiny, especially regarding safety, with competitors like Geely emphasizing safety over aesthetics in vehicle design [5]. - There is a widespread acknowledgment within the industry of the use of online tactics to undermine competitors, which complicates the landscape for companies like Xiaomi [5][7]. - Despite efforts from industry leaders to combat negative online narratives, such as BYD and Great Wall Motors offering rewards for information on black public relations activities, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing prevalence of online harassment and "black public relations" in the automotive industry, particularly targeting car owners and brands, leading to a toxic environment for consumers and companies alike [6][9][12]. Group 1: Online Harassment and Its Impact - Dismissive and abusive comments towards car owners have become common, with individuals facing severe online bullying for their vehicle choices, as seen in the case of Ms. Deng who faced threats and insults after purchasing a Xiaomi SU7 [7][8][15]. - The negative sentiment has escalated from online platforms to real-world actions, including vandalism of vehicles, indicating a troubling trend where online aggression translates into physical harm [12][14]. - The automotive sector is witnessing organized campaigns of defamation, with coordinated efforts to discredit certain brands and their customers, often driven by "water army" tactics [9][11]. Group 2: Legal and Corporate Responses - Companies are beginning to take legal action against online harassment, with Ms. Deng successfully suing her harassers and receiving compensation, setting a precedent for others [15][16]. - Automotive brands like Xiaomi are establishing support channels for affected customers, providing legal assistance and gathering feedback to combat online abuse [16][19]. - Regulatory bodies are also stepping in, with initiatives aimed at curbing illegal activities related to online defamation and misinformation in the automotive industry [19][20]. Group 3: The Role of "Black Public Relations" - The article discusses the emergence of a "black public relations" industry that employs deceptive tactics to undermine competitors, including the spread of false information about vehicle safety and performance [11][19]. - This industry is characterized by organized efforts to manipulate public perception, often using social media to amplify negative narratives about specific brands [9][12]. - Companies are responding with financial incentives for information on malicious activities, indicating a growing recognition of the threat posed by these tactics [19][20].

Core Viewpoints - The automotive industry is facing significant safety concerns, highlighted by recent incidents involving major brands like Li Auto and Xiaomi, prompting calls for accountability and transparency [3][19][45] - There is a growing emphasis on the importance of safety and reliability in automotive manufacturing, with industry leaders advocating for a shift away from a fast-consumer mentality towards a focus on long-term quality and experience [10][14][15][37] Group 1: Safety and Accountability - Li Auto has decided to proactively recall all 11,411 units of the 2024 MEGA model due to safety concerns following a fire incident, demonstrating corporate responsibility [3][45] - Xiaomi's recent accident involving the SU7 model has raised public safety concerns, leading to calls for the company to address these issues rather than deflecting criticism towards "black public relations" [19][24][25] - Industry leaders, including executives from Volkswagen and Lantu, have emphasized the need for a culture of safety and reliability, urging companies to prioritize consumer trust over rapid marketing tactics [10][28] Group 2: Industry Culture and Long-term Vision - The automotive sector is urged to resist the "fast consumer" mindset, with leaders like Lantu's CEO stressing that car manufacturing requires time, experience, and attention to detail [14][15][18] - The concept of "intelligent cars" should focus on safety and reliability, rather than merely technological novelty, reflecting a deeper understanding of consumer needs [17][18] - Li Auto's CEO envisions a future where the automotive market could see explosive growth, aiming for a significant increase in revenue by 2030, indicating a long-term strategic outlook [47][48] Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Competition - The competitive landscape is shifting, with predictions that companies like Tesla may face challenges from Chinese manufacturers due to efficiency and cost advantages [33][34] - The automotive industry is experiencing a price war that could lead to the elimination of brands lacking core competitiveness, highlighting the need for collaboration and openness among manufacturers [10][34] - Recent marketing tactics in the industry have been criticized for prioritizing hype over substance, with calls for a return to focusing on product quality and consumer trust [37][38]

Core Viewpoint - Recent criticism from major media outlets highlights safety concerns regarding Xiaomi's automotive products, emphasizing the potential risks associated with the company's marketing strategies and product performance [1][2][3] Group 1: Media Criticism - On October 16, Shanghai's "First Financial" criticized Xiaomi for potentially compromising the safety of young consumers with their vehicles [1] - The "Economic Observer" article identified three main issues with Xiaomi: the risk of their business model, an emphasis on aesthetics over substance, and problems within their ecosystem [1] - Zhejiang Daily's "潮新闻" pointed out a fatal accident involving a Xiaomi vehicle, raising concerns about the company's lack of public response to safety issues [1] Group 2: Marketing Practices - Xiaomi has been criticized for its marketing tactics, which prominently feature product benefits in large fonts while downplaying limitations in smaller print, leading to inflated consumer expectations [2] - The company has faced scrutiny following several accidents involving its vehicles, including a tragic incident in March 2025 where a Xiaomi SU7 caught fire after a collision, resulting in fatalities [2] Group 3: Public Perception - Xiaomi's CEO Lei Jun has experienced a significant decline in public support, with a reported loss of 554,000 followers in the past month, indicating a backlash against the company's handling of safety concerns [3]

Core Viewpoint - Li Xiang is portrayed as a successful entrepreneur who has faced public scrutiny and controversy, particularly regarding his company, Li Auto, amidst rumors and misinformation in the automotive industry [1][3][5]. Group 1: Entrepreneurial Journey - Li Xiang co-founded the popular website Bubble Network and later shifted his focus to the automotive industry, leading to the establishment of Li Auto [3][34]. - He gained significant attention for his entrepreneurial spirit, having previously achieved remarkable success in the tech sector before venturing into automobiles [34][32]. - Li Auto's model, the Li L6, received over 10,000 orders within three days of its launch, highlighting the brand's rapid acceptance in a competitive market [35]. Group 2: Public Controversies - Li Xiang faced a wave of negative publicity and rumors about Li Auto's potential bankruptcy, which were exacerbated by online misinformation campaigns [39][40]. - The company was targeted by organized smear campaigns, including a group that was exposed for its malicious tactics against Li Auto [40][42]. - In response to the attacks, Li Auto's legal team took action to gather evidence and pursue legal recourse against those spreading false information [42][46]. Group 3: Industry Response - Social media platforms like Weibo have begun to take action against accounts spreading misinformation, indicating a shift towards protecting companies from online defamation [44][48]. - The crackdown on malicious actors serves as a deterrent for those attempting to profit from spreading false information about companies [49][56]. - The situation surrounding Li Auto reflects broader industry challenges with online misinformation and the need for collective action against such practices [54][58].

Core Points - Xiaomi and Lei Jun are currently facing a significant crisis following two fatal accidents involving Xiaomi vehicles, raising serious concerns about vehicle safety and the company's response to public scrutiny [1][3][12] - The public is questioning the technical reliability of Xiaomi's vehicles, particularly why the doors failed to open during emergencies, leading to tragic outcomes [1][8] - Lei Jun's recent comments at the World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference have sparked controversy, as he emphasized resisting online smear campaigns instead of addressing safety concerns directly [3][11] Summary by Sections Safety Concerns - Two fatal accidents involving Xiaomi vehicles have occurred within six months, prompting public outcry regarding the safety features of the cars, particularly the failure of doors to unlock after collisions [1] - The inability of rescue personnel to open the doors during emergencies has led to questions about whether this is a technical failure or something more serious [1][8] Public and Media Reaction - Zhejiang Daily published a critical commentary urging that public safety concerns should not be dismissed as mere black public relations, emphasizing the need for clear communication from companies regarding safety issues [5][8] - The commentary has gained significant traction online, with many netizens expressing support for the call to prioritize public safety over corporate image [5][12] Corporate Image and Leadership - Lei Jun's public persona has been damaged as he faces backlash for his comments that seem to deflect from addressing legitimate safety concerns [3][11] - The expectation for Xiaomi to lead in innovation and safety has increased, contrasting sharply with the company's current challenges in meeting these expectations [24][27] - The shift in public sentiment from support to criticism reflects a broader concern about Xiaomi's commitment to quality and safety in its products [24][27] Industry Context - The automotive industry is under scrutiny for prioritizing speed and market capture over safety, with criticisms directed at companies that rush products to market without adequate testing [14][27] - The competitive landscape in both the smartphone and automotive sectors is intensifying, requiring companies like Xiaomi to balance innovation with consumer safety and satisfaction [27]

Core Viewpoint - The recent traffic accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has raised significant concerns about the safety and reliability of Xiaomi's automotive products, particularly regarding the vehicle's door locking mechanism and the company's response to public safety inquiries [1][10][12]. Group 1: Incident Overview - A fatal accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra occurred on October 13, 2025, with the driver suspected of driving under the influence [1]. - The incident has drawn attention to the recurring issue of the vehicle's doors being unable to open after a collision, which has been a point of concern since a similar incident earlier in the year [10][12]. - Witnesses reported that the vehicle's electronic door locks failed, complicating rescue efforts [10]. Group 2: Company Response and Public Perception - Xiaomi's CEO Lei Jun has focused on addressing "black public relations" rather than responding directly to safety concerns raised by the public [3][4][9]. - The lack of a clear response from Xiaomi regarding the safety issues has led to a decline in public trust and a significant drop in Lei Jun's social media following [3][8]. - Commentary from media outlets suggests that the company's strategy of blaming external factors like black PR may be seen as an evasion of responsibility for legitimate safety concerns [9][10]. Group 3: Safety Concerns and Recalls - The design of the SU7's door locking mechanism has been criticized, with questions raised about potential design flaws that could lead to safety hazards in emergencies [12][13]. - Xiaomi has initiated two recalls in 2025 for the SU7 series due to safety concerns, including issues with the vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems [15]. - The company has faced scrutiny over whether it was aware of the door locking issues prior to the accidents and why corrective measures were not taken [12][15]. Group 4: Market Impact and Brand Reputation - Following the recent accident, Xiaomi's stock price experienced a significant drop, indicating a loss of investor confidence [16]. - The public's perception of Lei Jun has shifted, with many feeling disappointed by his lack of engagement on critical safety issues [17][18]. - The ongoing safety concerns and recalls have led to a growing distrust among consumers, with some questioning the overall quality and reliability of Xiaomi's automotive offerings [19][28].

Core Insights - The article reflects on the evolution of Tencent and the media landscape over the past 15 years, highlighting a shift from critical journalism to a more protective stance by companies against negative press [1][5] - It emphasizes the need for a balanced media environment where criticism is allowed, contrasting it with the current trend of companies suppressing dissenting voices under the guise of maintaining a healthy business environment [5] Group 1: Media and Corporate Dynamics - The article recalls a pivotal moment in 2010 when a critical piece on Tencent prompted the company to reflect on its closed-off approach, leading to a strategic transformation [1] - There is a noted decline in critical media coverage, with an increase in corporate flattery and a rise in lawsuits against media outlets for negative reporting [2][3] - Companies have grown significantly in size and influence, yet they seem less tolerant of criticism, often labeling it as slander [3][5] Group 2: Corporate Behavior and Public Relations - The existence of "black public relations" is acknowledged, but the article argues that the real issue lies in companies' internal conflicts and their inability to accept criticism [4][9] - Many companies use the pretext of protecting the business environment to eliminate dissent, while simultaneously engaging in misleading practices against competitors [4][9] - The article warns against a corporate culture that only allows praise and silences criticism, questioning the sustainability of such an environment [5]

Core Viewpoint - Xiaomi's automotive division is currently facing intense scrutiny and criticism following two severe accidents involving the SU7 model, leading to significant public concern over safety issues [1][15][16] Group 1: Recent Incidents - A major safety incident occurred on October 13, where a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra caught fire after a collision, resulting in the unfortunate death of the owner [3][15] - This incident follows another serious accident that took place just six months prior, raising alarms about Xiaomi's driving technology and safety protocols [15][16] Group 2: Public and Media Response - Xiaomi's CEO Lei Jun has publicly condemned "black public relations" and online trolls, but his comments have been criticized as tone-deaf given the timing of the recent tragedy [3][11] - Major state media outlets have issued strong criticisms of Xiaomi, emphasizing the need for the company to address safety concerns rather than deflecting blame onto external factors [6][7][11] Group 3: Legal and Corporate Strategy - Xiaomi's legal department has been proactive, evaluating over 16,465 pieces of public sentiment and filing lawsuits against 92 malicious accounts, indicating a robust strategy to manage public perception [6] - Despite these efforts, the backlash from official media suggests that Xiaomi's approach may not be sufficient to quell public concern regarding safety [6][11] Group 4: Broader Implications - The ongoing safety issues and negative media coverage have led to a decline in consumer trust, with criticisms directed at Xiaomi's business model, marketing strategies, and overall product safety [8][13][15] - The company is at a critical juncture where it must reassess its strategies and address the underlying safety issues to regain consumer confidence and stabilize its market position [16]

Core Viewpoint - The call by Lei Jun for companies to "jointly resist online water armies and black public relations" has escalated the situation, leaving no room for retreat [1] Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The public relations landscape has been disrupted, with immediate backlash from competitors and a coordinated response from various media and influencers against Xiaomi [3][6] - Xiaomi's marketing budget is reportedly around 100 million, which is significantly lower than competitors, indicating a lack of investment in media and public relations [5][6] - The cost-saving strategy that Xiaomi employed has led to resentment among media and public relations firms, positioning Xiaomi as a target for negative campaigns [6][11] Group 2: Competitive Response - Competitors have been quick to capitalize on Xiaomi's vulnerable position, with one appliance company already filing a lawsuit against an MCN shortly after Lei's statement [3] - Influencers and media personalities have begun to publicly criticize Xiaomi, suggesting that the company should invest more in advertising and media relations [6][9] - The coordinated effort among media and influencers indicates a unified front against Xiaomi, with the potential for escalating attacks on the company's reputation and products [11][12] Group 3: Strategic Dilemma - Xiaomi faces a difficult choice: to either confront the media backlash head-on or to capitulate and pay for protection against negative publicity [12][14] - If Xiaomi chooses to resist, it risks a prolonged and damaging war of attrition, while capitulating could set a precedent for ongoing extortion through public relations tactics [12][14] - The situation reflects a broader struggle over the rules of commercial interest distribution, with implications for Xiaomi's reputation and the future of companies that challenge established norms [14]