The abrupt termination of Apple's electric vehicle endeavor has stirred interest among up-and-coming Chinese automakers like Xiaomi, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
In a recent disclosure by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's decision to halt its ambitious electric car project, following a decade of intensive development and considerable investment, has sent ripples through the industry. This unexpected move has particularly surprised emerging players in the Chinese electric vehicle sector, including Xiaomi, Li Auto, and Xpeng, who previously eyed Apple as a formidable competitor in the market.
Xiaomi, renowned for its array of consumer electronics and smartphones, made headlines with the introduction of its maiden electric vehicle, the SU7, slated for imminent release after rigorous testing. With an investment exceeding $1.4 billion and a team of over 3,400 engineers, Xiaomi's foray into the electric vehicle realm reflects its strategic diversification and commitment to innovation.
Lei Jun, the visionary behind Xiaomi, expressed his astonishment and disappointment regarding Apple's decision via a candid post on Weibo, acknowledging the formidable challenges inherent in the automotive industry while reaffirming Xiaomi's resolute dedication to its electric vehicle ambitions.
Similarly, He Xiaopeng, the driving force behind Xpeng, echoed sentiments of surprise at Apple's unexpected pivot away from electric vehicles, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Meanwhile, Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, commended Apple's strategic shift towards prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) development, recognizing the pivotal role AI is poised to play across diverse devices and services.
The burgeoning success of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers underscores the dynamic nature of the industry and the pivotal role played by companies in China's rapidly advancing technological ecosystem.
