A Shocking Wait for Xiaomi's YU7 Buyers!

In a turn of events that has consumers scratching their heads and expressing anger, Xiaomi, the tech giant known for its smartphones, has informed buyers of its new YU7 electric SUV that they will face waits exceeding one full year for delivery!

After the thrilling launch of the YU7, which generated an astonishing 240,000 orders within just 18 hours, excitement quickly turned to frustration. While demand soared, the supply fell drastically short, leading to mounting complaints among eager customers.

Frustrations Mount as Complaints Flood In

Reports show that by Tuesday, buyers checking the Xiaomi app were met with discouraging news: delivery timelines stretched between 38 to 60 weeks! Over 400 buyers have already taken to Sina’s Black Cat consumer complaint platform, voicing their outrage about the lack of transparency regarding the long wait times, and many are desperately requesting refunds.

The Stakes Are High: Will Prices Rise?

Adding to the anxiety, purchasers must pay a hefty non-refundable deposit of 5,000 yuan (approximately $698) just to secure their order. Many customers are worried that the long wait could also mean higher costs, especially as a tax exemption for electric vehicles is set to end before the year’s close.

Xiaomi's Response and Future Plans

Xiaomi has yet to officially respond to the situation. However, its charismatic CEO, Lei Jun, who boasts 26.8 million followers on Weibo, has promised to address some concerns in an upcoming livestream event.

Can Xiaomi Compete with Tesla?

The YU7 is Xiaomi’s second vehicle model, priced at 253,500 yuan, which is slightly lower than Tesla’s popular Model Y. This price point reflects Xiaomi's bold ambition to topple Tesla's dominance in the electric SUV market.

After the launch of its first car, the SU7 sedan, in March last year, Xiaomi quickly became a hot player in China's EV scene, but not without its controversies. Since then, consumer trust has been shaken following a fatal crash and complaints over delivery schedules and optional features.

Output Ramps Up Amid Demand

Despite the current challenges, Xiaomi is ramping up production at its Beijing plant and has plans for new factories nearby. Monthly production has surged from a mere 4,000 units last March to an impressive 28,000 by May, showcasing the company’s determination to meet growing demand.

As the demand for the YU7 remains high, the big question remains: Can Xiaomi turn grievances into trust and keep its ambitious plans on track?