Ford’s chief executive Jim Farley is touting Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xiaomi’s latest model, the SU7. During a recent interview with Argentina’s La Nación, he highlighted how the SU7 offers an advanced digital experience comparable to that of Apple products.
Key Takeaways
- Ford CEO Jim Farley praises Xiaomi’s SU7 for its user-friendly technology and performance.
- The SU7 features facial recognition, AI assistant integration, and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under three seconds.
- Farley’s hands-on approach aims to educate Ford management on the technological advancements of Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has taken an unusual step by commuting in a variety of electric vehicles from China, including the Xiaomi SU7. His goal is for his team at Ford to get firsthand experience with these cars and understand their competitive edge better.
Farley’s comments come after he directed his management last year to select five leading Chinese EVs, which were then flown to Chicago and driven back to Dearborn by Farley and his colleagues. The Xiaomi SU7 impressed him due to its advanced features such as facial recognition technology that identifies the driver automatically.
Farley emphasizes the importance of not overlooking China’s automotive industry, stating that Ford can’t afford to miss out on this market again like it did with Japan and South Korea in previous decades. He sees Xiaomi as a leader within the Chinese EV sector, comparing its digital experience favorably to Apple’s products.
When asked about his team’s reaction to these vehicles from China, Farley noted that they were shocked by how far behind Ford was technologically when compared with companies like BYD and Xiaomi. This realization prompted them to hire Doug Field, a former Tesla executive, who highlighted significant gaps in areas such as IT architecture and CAD design tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features does the Xiaomi SU7 have?
The Xiaomi SU7 includes facial recognition technology that automatically identifies drivers, an AI assistant inside the vehicle for voice commands and navigation assistance, and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of under three seconds.
How is Ford responding?
Ford has responded by immersing its leadership team in Chinese EVs such as the Xiaomi SU7. They’re using these cars daily and learning from their superior technology to improve their own offerings.
The hands-on approach Farley is taking highlights growing concerns among Western automakers about China’s rapid technological advancements, even though significant numbers of these vehicles haven’t yet entered U.S. markets.
