Praising the Competition
Xiaomi’s annual address took an unexpected but refreshing turn when CEO Lei Jun openly praised the Tesla Model Y. Despite the fact that Tesla’s crossover directly competes with Xiaomi’s new YU7, Lei didn’t shy away from admiration. “We bought three Tesla Model Ys for disassembly and research inside Xiaomi earlier this year. What a great vehicle,” he shared.
He even suggested that buyers who don’t prefer the YU7 should strongly consider Tesla’s best-seller. It’s rare to see a CEO highlight a competitor so boldly, but Lei framed it as respect for excellence.
Learning Through Teardown
Tearing down rival vehicles is a standard practice in the auto industry. Mercedes, Ford, and countless others have done the same over decades. Engineers gain insight into design choices, materials, and software strategies. As one industry insider put it, “Every serious automaker has a warehouse of competitors’ cars for benchmarking.”
In Tesla’s case, the exercise confirmed why the Model Y dominates globally. Its efficiency, use of advanced driver-assist features like FSD, and overall energy consumption impressed Xiaomi’s team.
Industry Voices Agree
The news sparked lively conversations across automotive circles. Many pointed out that this type of research fuels innovation everywhere. A former Ford engineer recalled how the company once bought a Ferrari 360 for the same reason. Others noted that benchmarking isn’t copying but rather a way to inspire better engineering.
One enthusiast summed it up neatly: “It happens in every industry — whether food, fashion, or tech. You study the best to improve your own.”
A Culture of Respect
Lei Jun also celebrated Tesla’s recent milestone of delivering its first driverless demos in Austin, calling it a sign of “leading the industry trends.” Rather than treating Tesla as an obstacle, he presented it as a source of motivation.
In today’s fiercely competitive EV market, that kind of acknowledgment highlights a bigger truth: progress accelerates when rivals respect and learn from one another.
