Learn what Chinese language automakers need to say about Apple shutting down its automotive challenge |

Apple has confirmed that its automotive challenge has come to an finish. After a decade of labor and thousands and thousands of {dollars} in improvement prices, the cupertino-based tech big has cancelled its plans to carry an electrical car (EV) to market. As a substitute, the iPhone maker has additionally moved lots of the 2,000 employees engaged on the challenge to generative AI.
Nevertheless, the corporate’s determination to cancel its automotive challenge has come as a shock to some tech-focused Chinese language EV manufacturers.Based on a report by the South China Morning Submit, Chinese language automakers together with Xiaomi, Li Auto and Xpeng have shared their views about Apple cancelling their EV challenge. The report claims that these corporations noticed Apple’s automotive challenge as considered one of their predominant rivals.

What Chinese language carmakers stated about Apple’s determination

Chinese language smartphone producer Xiaomi unveiled its first in late 2023. The corporate’s founder and chairman, Lei Jun, took to Chinese language social media platform Weibo to say that he was “very shocked” by Apple’s withdrawal from the EV sector.
Jun stated that he “is aware of deeply how tough it’s to make automobiles”, however added that Xiaomi has made an “unshakeable strategic alternative” and stays dedicated to constructing EVs.
Xiaomi introduced its entry into the EV sector in 2021. Jun stated that this endeavour is the “final entrepreneurship of my life”.

In December 2023, the corporate showcased its first EV, the SU7. Jun additionally confirmed that Xiaomi has invested over 10 billion yuan (US$1.4 billion) to develop a prototype with a workforce of three,400 engineers.
Earlier, Xiaomi confirmed that the SU7 nonetheless has a couple of extra months of testing left earlier than it will definitely hits the market. The corporate additionally showcased the EV on the ongoing MWC 2024 occasion in Barcelona, Spain.

In the meantime, Li Xiang, CEO of Beijing-based EV maker Li Auto, stated Apple’s determination is “completely proper”. Xiang additionally took to Weibo to state: “AI will turn out to be the top-level entrance for all gadgets, companies, purposes and transactions, by which Apple ought to keep on high.”
Li Auto additionally reported file revenue within the final quarter as its internet revenue doubled from the September quarter to achieve 5.75 billion yuan. Nevertheless, the corporate expects weaker gross sales within the present quarter due to a slowing financial system.
Other than this, He Xiaopeng, chairman of Guangdong-based carmaker Xpeng, additionally expressed his disbelief that Apple received’t enter the EV sector on Weibo. Xiaopeng expects intense competitors within the business in 2024 as most newcomers are set to launch their merchandise this yr.
As per the report, Xpeng is planning to rent 4,000 new employees in 2024 as it’s anticipated to roll out 30 new fashions over the subsequent three years.
In recent times, Chinese language manufacturers have established a rising presence within the EV subject. Final quarter, Shenzhen-based BYD overtook Elon Musk’s Tesla because the world’s high EV producer.