In a recent Weibo post, Xiaomi's chairman and CEO, Lei Jun, opened up about the difficulties he faced over the past month, describing it as one of the toughest periods since establishing the company in 2010. This challenging phase came after a tragic incident in China involving an autonomous-driving feature of a Xiaomi SU7, which resulted in the death of three individuals in late March. Although Lei did not directly address the accident, his reflections highlight the pressure surrounding the safety concerns of Xiaomi’s driving-assistance technology.
Lei Jun revealed that he had taken a step back from public engagements during this time, reducing his social media presence and canceling several meetings and business trips. Accompanying his post were two photographs—one showcasing a gym and another featuring the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra—symbolizing both personal resilience and professional commitment. He noted that despite his busy schedule over the years, this period allowed him to pause and reflect deeply on various aspects of his leadership and responsibilities.
The silence from Lei Jun was notable given his usual active presence on Weibo, where he boasts over 26 million followers. In April, he posted only 21 times, predominantly sharing official company advertisements. This marked a stark contrast to the last week of March when he shared 33 posts, many of which included personal images.
Amidst heightened public scrutiny regarding the safety of Xiaomi's driving-assistance systems, Lei's introspective post suggests a reevaluation of priorities and strategies. The tragic incident has undoubtedly prompted deeper considerations within the company about the advancements in autonomous driving technology and their implications for user safety.
As the situation unfolds, Lei Jun's reflection signifies a pivotal moment for Xiaomi. His decision to step back and reassess highlights the importance of balancing innovation with safety. Moving forward, it is crucial for Xiaomi to address public concerns effectively while continuing to innovate responsibly in the realm of autonomous vehicles.