In a development that signals closer ties in China’s rapidly evolving EV landscape, BYD Chairman and CEO Wang Chuanfu was recently spotted touring Xiaomi’s automotive manufacturing plant. The visit, which came to light through leaked short videos circulating on Chinese social media, shows Wang being personally hosted by Lei Jun, Founder and CEO of Xiaomi Group.
The footage captures Wang and Lei walking through production lines as Lei explains key aspects of the factory’s operations. Also present during the tour was Hu Zhengnan, a partner at Shunwei Capital and former Geely executive, adding further intrigue to the meeting.
Though neither BYD nor Xiaomi has issued an official statement, the visit highlights the deepening collaboration between the two tech giants. BYD already supplies key components to Xiaomi Auto, including its Blade batteries for Xiaomi’s debut electric models — the SU7 and the upcoming YU7.
At the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, Lei Jun openly praised BYD for its decade-long partnership in the smartphone sector and described the company as a crucial partner for Xiaomi’s ambitions in the electric vehicle industry. Wang Chuanfu, in return, visited Xiaomi’s booth at the show, showcasing mutual support at the highest level.
Industry analysts see this high-profile visit as a sign of potential deeper strategic cooperation. BYD’s leadership in battery technology and EV manufacturing, combined with Xiaomi’s expertise in smart ecosystems and user-centric tech, could pave the way for powerful collaborations in future smart mobility solutions.
Lei Jun has been highly visible in recent weeks, appearing with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang alongside Xiaomi’s flagship SU7 Ultra EV — a clear statement of Xiaomi’s intent to become a major player in the smart EV space.
As China’s EV sector grows more competitive, partnerships like this reflect a new era of ‘co-opetition,’ where leading companies join forces on technology while competing in the consumer market.
Stay tuned with BYD Times for more updates on this developing story.
Footage source: https://weibo.com/1230780803/PBuzijMFM
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