Beijing – Xiaomi has issued an apology regarding the controversy surrounding the carbon fiber dual-vented front hood of its SU7 Ultra electric vehicle. The company acknowledged that its initial communication regarding the feature was unclear and has offered a limited-time option for customers with undelivered orders to switch back to an aluminum hood.
The apology, published in a statement titled Answers to Questions of Public Concern, addresses two key issues: the Ranking Mode feature and the carbon fiber hood.
Ranking Mode Snafu
Xiaomi admitted that a recent software update introducing unlocking conditions for the Ranking Mode feature had caused frustration among users. The company stated that the update has been suspended and that a fix will be rolled out in the next version, estimated to take 4-8 weeks.
We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to some users, Xiaomi said in its statement. Our original intention was to better ensure driving safety, but we did not fully consult with everyone or communicate the relevant functions clearly. Our work was indeed inappropriate.
The company pledged to establish a more comprehensive user feedback mechanism in the future.
Carbon Fiber Hood Controversy
The core of the controversy lies in the carbon fiber dual-vented front hood of the SU7 Ultra. Xiaomi explained that while the initial production plan for the SU7 Ultra focused on achieving high performance on domestic racetracks and the Nürburgring, the carbon fiber hood was not initially included. However, after the SU7 Ultra prototype’s performance at the Nürburgring on October 29 generated significant buzz, the company decided to offer the carbon fiber hood as an option to meet user demand and replicate the prototype’s design.
Xiaomi clarified that the carbon fiber hood, in addition to replicating the prototype’s aesthetics, also provides some airflow and assists in cooling the front compartment.
We sincerely apologize for the previous lack of clarity in our information expression, the company stated.
Remedial Measures
To address the concerns, Xiaomi is offering the following measures:
- For undelivered orders: Customers can opt to switch back to an aluminum hood within a limited timeframe, from May 9th at 10:00 AM to May 10th at 11:59:59 PM.
- For delivered vehicles and locked orders with carbon fiber hood selection (before May 10th, 11:59:59 PM): Xiaomi will offer 20,000 points as a gesture of goodwill.
Xiaomi also highlighted that the carbon fiber hood utilizes 1.73 square meters of carbon fiber, resulting in a weight reduction of 1.3 kg for the vehicle. The company emphasized that recent track runs have been conducted using the SU7 Ultra equipped with the carbon fiber hood.
Looking Ahead
The incident underscores the importance of clear communication and user feedback in the automotive industry, particularly as electric vehicles become increasingly sophisticated. Xiaomi’s swift response and offer of remedial measures demonstrate a commitment to addressing customer concerns and maintaining transparency. The company’s pledge to improve its user feedback mechanism will be crucial in preventing similar controversies in the future.
This episode serves as a valuable lesson for Xiaomi and other automakers, highlighting the need to carefully consider the implications of design choices and to ensure that customers are well-informed about the features and benefits of their vehicles.
References:
- IT之家 News Report: [Insert Link to IT之家 Article Here]
- Xiaomi Automobile Official Statement: [Insert Link to Xiaomi Statement Here]
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