Xiaomi Intends to Implement Correction for Driver-Assist Features on Approximately 40% of SU7 Electric Vehicles
In a recent development, Xiaomi Corp. has announced that it will deploy an over-the-air software fix for a problem in its advanced driver-assistance technology (ADAS) installed in approximately 40% of its SU7 electric sedans. This decision comes nearly six months after a fatal crash involving a standard version SU7 sedan that had its autopilot function turned on.
As of July, Xiaomi had delivered about 305,055 SU7 models, which debuted in March last year. The standard version of the SU7 does not include lidar, a type of sensor that helps a vehicle "see" its environment and adds an additional layer of safety. However, the company is enhancing the adjustment of driving speed in complicated conditions such as rain or at night through the over-the-air update.
The recall involves SU7 models produced between Feb. 6, 2024, and Aug. 30 this year. Xiaomi will also recall around 116,800 standard versions of the SU7 due to the potential risk of collision in critical scenarios. This recall comes at a time when Chinese authorities are working on draft guidelines that strictly define what driver-assist technology can and cannot do.
Xiaomi's founder and Chairman Lei Jun stayed quiet for more than a month after the accident. The accident resulted in the death of three people, but the search results do not provide the name of the driver involved. The shares of Xiaomi are up 64% this year, but they fell as much as 2% on Friday before recovering to trade down 1.1%.
Analysts led by Steven Leung, an executive director at Uob Kay Hian Hong Kong Ltd., noted that it's more important a company fixes the issue before any serious accident. Kelvin Lau, an analyst at Daiwa Capital Markets Hong Kong Ltd., stated that the issue is not mechanical and the implied cost is small because it can be fixed remotely.
Interestingly, Xpeng Inc., a US-listed Chinese EV maker, also issued a recall last week for more than 47,000 of its P7+ sedans to replace potentially faulty steering parts. This highlights the growing importance of safety in the electric vehicle industry.
In a positive note, Xiaomi recently launched its second EV, the YU7 sport utility vehicle, which received more than 240,000 orders within 18 hours. The company continues to make strides in the EV market and is committed to ensuring the safety of its customers.
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