Economist Podcasts Xiaomi the way: a Chinese tech giant gets bigger
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Jul 25, 2025 
Don Wineland, China business and finance editor, discusses Xiaomi’s rapid growth into the electric vehicle market and the potential challenges it faces internationally. Kenley Salmon brings insights on the resurfacing diplomatic relations between Britain and Argentina as they navigate historical tensions over the Falkland Islands. Vishnu Padmanabhan highlights the significant rise of women's sports, emphasizing the record-breaking ticket sales and media attention, while also addressing the ongoing disparities with men's events.
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Lei Jun's Rapid Expansion Journey
- Xiaomi's founder Lei Jun rapidly expanded from cheap smartphones to electric vehicles (EVs) within a few years.
- He has a marketing track record, selling millions of phones quickly and recently sold EVs online within minutes before delivery.
China's EV Chains Empower Xiaomi
- China's strong EV supply chains enabled Xiaomi's quick entry into the electric vehicle market.
- Xiaomi designs its own components like semiconductors and batteries, blending manufacturing and outsourcing.
Safety vs Speed Challenge
- Xiaomi faces criticism for moving too fast, especially after a fatal crash using its autonomous system.
- Despite safety concerns, the company successfully sold many new EV models shortly after the accident.