Xiaomi gears up for EV mass production, expands R&D team

BEIJING – Xiaomi (OTC:) Corporation is intensifying its foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market as it prepares for mass production in the coming year. The company has grown its research and development team to approximately 3,000 members and is awaiting local regulatory approval for its upcoming car specifications, which have been listed on government websites.

The tech giant, primarily known for its smartphones and electronic goods, showcased its latest smartphone lineup at an event at Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Now, Xiaomi is making strategic advancements in the competitive EV market, where it faces established players like Nio (NYSE:) and Li Auto (NASDAQ:). The introduction of the SU7 saloon, featuring optional lidar technology, signals Xiaomi’s commitment to autonomous driving systems.

Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s CEO, has shifted his focus from investing through Shunwei Capital to directly competing with former investments such as Nio and Xpeng (NYSE:) Motors. This pivot is a significant move according to Gasgoo Auto Research Institute.

Despite Xiaomi’s impressive third-quarter performance, which saw a net income surge by 183% attributed to lower component costs and improved operational efficiency, investor concerns over the substantial costs associated with entering the smart car industry contributed to a stock price decline of nearly 5% on Tuesday.

Analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence view Xiaomi’s expansion into the EV sector as a major diversification strategy beyond their traditional electronic goods portfolio. The company’s progress in this new venture is closely monitored by industry observers who recognize the challenges and potential of integrating advanced technologies into the automotive space.

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