Ford CEO Jim Farley Test Drives Xiaomi’s Electric Sedan, Impressed with Chinese Competitors

Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, recently revealed that he has been test-driving a vehicle from Xiaomi, a Chinese consumer electronics company that has ventured into the electric vehicle market. Farley explained that although he usually prefers not to discuss competitors, Ford imported a Xiaomi SU7 from Shanghai to Chicago, and he has been using it for the past six months. He acknowledged that he was reluctant to part with the car, citing the need for a bold strategy to compete with Chinese automakers like Xiaomi and BYD.

The Xiaomi SU7 is a 2024 full-size sedan launched in China, marking the company’s ambitious entry into the electric vehicle space. Known primarily for its smartphones and electronics, Xiaomi announced its plans to produce electric cars in 2021. Despite its relatively affordable price tag of around $30,000, the SU7 is equipped with premium features, including air suspension, adaptive dampers, and active aerodynamics. It also boasts Xiaomi’s proprietary Level 2 and Navigate on Autopilot (NoA) system, which is approved for use in 100 cities across China.

The demand for the Xiaomi SU7 in China has been overwhelming, with the entire 2024 production run reportedly selling out on the first day. Xiaomi is believed to have secured orders for 100,000 units before even delivering the first car to customers.

Have you read?
World’s Most Fashionable Countries.
World’s Best Countries For Business Expats.
Best Non-Native English Speaking Countries In The World.
Countries With The Largest Household Size.
World’s Best (And Worst) Countries For Older People To Live In.