Jim Farley praises the Chinese EV, saying ‘I Don’t Want to Give It Up’.
Ford’s CEO Jim Farley has been making headlines after revealing that his go-to ride for the past six months isn’t one of Ford’s own models, but a sleek electric sedan from Chinese tech giant Xiaomi. Farley admitted during an interview on the Fully Charged podcast that he’s been driving a Xiaomi SU7, a car that isn’t even available outside China, and he’s loving every minute of it.
“It’s fantastic,” Farley said, praising the Xiaomi SU7’s design and features. The Ford boss explained that the company flew the car from Shanghai to Chicago to study it, and since then, it’s been his daily driver. He admitted he doesn’t want to give it up, despite the fact that it belongs to a direct competitor. According to Farley, the SU7 has been selling like hotcakes in China, with around 10,000 to 20,000 units being sold each month. The model has reportedly sold out for six months, which is no small feat.
The Xiaomi SU7 is a new model introduced in 2024, marking the Chinese consumer electronics brand’s first venture into the electric vehicle market. The car comes in several versions, with prices starting at around $30,000 in China. Farley didn’t specify which version he’s been driving, but all models have impressive stats. The entry-level, rear-wheel drive SU7 offers 295 horsepower and a range of 435 miles. The mid-spec SU7 Pro takes it further with a larger battery that stretches the range to 516 miles, while the top-tier SU7 Max boasts 663 horsepower and an eye-popping 0-62 mph time of 2.8 seconds.
Beyond its powerful specs, the SU7 also brings some high-tech features to the table. Since Xiaomi is a major player in the consumer electronics market, it’s no surprise that the car offers extensive integration with the company’s other products, allowing for remote control of connected appliances like lights and smart speakers. The car features a massive 16.1-inch infotainment screen and Xiaomi’s own Pilot system, which supports assisted self-driving and self-parking.
Despite the glowing praise from Farley, Xiaomi has faced some financial challenges with the SU7. Reports indicate that the company lost around $9,200 on every SU7 sold in the first six months of 2024. However, that hasn’t stopped them from setting an ambitious target of delivering 100,000 units in its first year on the market.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that Farley has been impressed by a Chinese electric car. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, he and Ford’s CFO John Lawler were equally struck by a Changan EV back in 2003, which led Lawler to remark, “These guys are ahead of us.” Farley has described the Chinese auto industry as an “existential threat” to established brands like Ford, acknowledging that the competition is increasingly capable.
It’s not every day that you hear a CEO openly complimenting a rival’s product, especially when it’s one that could disrupt the market. But Farley’s candid comments reveal that he’s not only keeping an eye on the competition but also learning from it. While American consumers won’t be seeing the Xiaomi SU7 on the streets anytime soon due to import restrictions, Farley’s enthusiasm suggests that Ford might be taking some inspiration from the innovative features and design of this impressive Chinese EV.
