[RahulNagaraj]

According to reports, Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, stated in a recent podcast that he has imported a Xiaomi SU7 from China and has been driving it around Chicago for the last six months. He mentioned how fantastic the car was and how he didn't want to give it up.

Speaking at the podcast, Farley stated how the Xiaomi SU7 was one of the big "epiphanies" he had - realising how far off he or even other Western automakers were when compared to China. The Ford CEO said, "In the West, our cell phone companies aren’t into cars, they don’t have car companies. But in China, both Huawei and Xiaomi are inside every vehicle that is made."



He further went on to add, "Everyone’s talking about the Apple Car, but the Xiaomi car…The [Xiaomi SU7] exists, and it’s fantastic. They sell 10,000, 20,000 a month and they’re sold out for six months. That is a consumer brand that is much stronger than car companies."

Farley's comments reportedly even sparked a mini-viral moment in China, as per a Chinese EV analyst.

Talking about newfound competition, Farley stated, "I can’t unlearn the fact that the Detroit Three never really had a plan. And we’re not going to miss this one. This one, we’re going to have to get it right from scratch."

Source: InsideEVs

Link to Team-BHP news

[GTO]

I don't think anyone has been left without awe & respect after driving a good EV from China. Including the greats like Elon Musk, Jim Farley & other top management who aren't so open about it. The EVs from MG / SAIC & BYD continue to impress me.

In the 60s & 70s, developed countries laughed at Japanese cars. They don't anymore.

In the 90s, USA & Europe etc. laughed at Korean cars. They don't anymore.

In the 2000s, everyone (including us) laughed at Chinese cars. We don't anymore. Realising they have lost out on ICE cars, China bet the house on Electric Cars and have emerged as world leaders in the space.

[funnysaltbrick]

This isn’t a new practice btw, most Ford CEO’s do drive around in rivals’ cars to find spaces where Ford can do better, this was a strategy that Alan Mulally brought in when Ford execs all drove Fords but didn’t drive competitors cars so they never knew where they lagged. It’s in his book, by the way. American Icon is the name by the way.

Coming to Xiaomi, this car’s the outcome of China harnessing their tech prowess and betting the farm on EV while the West kept dabbling in it, at best. Good luck to them.

[CNMaLin]

Yes, Chinese EVs are pushing the boundaries all the time and coming with more comfort and convenience features for all the passengers. Check out some videos of Zeekr Mix - No B-pillars, asymmetric style (sliding doors on right side and combination sliding and swing doors on the left), rotating front seats allowing for adjustable layout...

[invidious]

He is right in that the EV is more of a gadget than a traditional automobile. I am not from an engineering background but my guess is that an EV is not as complicated or R&D intensive as an ICE vehicle is. Of course R&D is required but once a platform is developed - they can have multiple cars on it anyway. This probably gives them more time on the ergonomics and gimmicky features that would attract the car buyer. Full marks to the Chinese EV makers.

[frewper]

This is the unfortunate reality of Xiaomi cars. Shows that Chinese engineering has to be taken with a pinch of salts.

Pretty sure if they had to make the car as sturdy and safe as a Tesla, it will not be as cheap as it is now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCbmaJM67YE

[reignofchaos]

First the brakes fail as they are grossly inadequate for such a powerful and bulky car and then the driver's seat breaks into two on impact!!! Talk about a coffin on wheels.

[SideView]

Originally Posted by frewper

This is the unfortunate reality of Xiaomi cars. Shows that Chinese engineering has to be taken with a pinch of salts.

Pretty sure if they had to make the car as sturdy and safe as a Tesla, it will not be as cheap as it is now.

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

First the brakes fail as they are grossly inadequate for such a powerful and bulky car and then the driver's seat breaks into two on impact!!! Talk about a coffin on wheels.

I am more worried about why no airbags were deployed.

[reignofchaos]

Originally Posted by SideView

I am more worried about why no airbags were deployed.

Maybe disabled - many track guys disable airbags when on track.

[frewper]

Originally Posted by SideView

I am more worried about why no airbags were deployed.

That was a rear impact, front airbags may not get deployed on rear impact on majority of the passenger cars. Even on a side impact for that matter.

It all depends on how many sensors are placed on the car to detect the impact.

Only fancy expensive cars will have their front airbags deployed on a side impact and that too in a timed manner.

Cars which have 9 or 10 airbags, will have smaller airbags which will deploy, faster than your front airbags, so that you are placed in a safe position for you to have a controlled or safer impact on the front airbag.

If you look at it, deploy timing of the airbags is like playing the orchestra. Timing is everything.

[PreludeSH]

Did they give smaller brakes since regenerative braking would anyway take away braking most of the time in normal drives ?

Maybe they didn't factor racing