The Xiaomi SU7 on show on the Cellular World Congress 2024.
Arjun Kharpal | CNBC
BEIJING — Chinese language smartphone firm Xiaomi‘s new electrical automobile is promoting higher than anticipated, placing it nearer to break-even regardless of undercutting Tesla‘s Mannequin 3 on value.
Xiaomi has acquired greater than 70,000 orders for its electrical SU7 sedan as of April 20, near the corporate’s unique full-year goal for deliveries this yr, CEO Lei Jun advised buyers Tuesday.
The corporate now goals to ship 100,000 of its new EV this yr, he stated.
Xiaomi released the SU7 in late March with a value about $4,000 lower than Tesla’s Mannequin 3, and has began deliveries. The Chinese language smartphone firm is about to livestream a automotive replace at 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, because the Beijing auto present kicks off.
“Breakeven could be realized if annual gross sales attain 300[k]-400k,” Citi analysts stated in a report, citing the investor day. They raised their autos section gross revenue margin forecast to six% this yr, versus a ten% loss beforehand anticipated.
The Citi analysts raised their earnings per share forecast by 25% this yr, and now count on Xiaomi to ship 100,000 automobiles this yr, 200,000 subsequent yr and 280,000 in 2026.
For context, Tesla China bought greater than 600,000 automobiles final yr, in response to the China Passenger Automobile Affiliation. Li Auto, which technically sells principally hybrids, bought 376,000 automobiles final yr, whereas Nio bought simply over 160,000 automobiles final yr, the information confirmed.
Li Auto had a gross margin of 23.5% within the fourth quarter final yr, whereas Nio’s gross margin was 7.5%, each up from the year-ago interval.
Tesla’s gross margin has successively declined over the previous 5 quarters to 17.4% within the first three months of this yr. Gross margin figures do not account for working bills.
When Xiaomi launched the SU7 final month, Lei stated the corporate could be promoting every automotive at a loss.
However on Tuesday, he estimated gross revenue margin of round 5% to 10% for Xiaomi’s auto enterprise, and famous that gross sales are better than anticipated, whereas expressing because of suppliers on decreasing prices.
“We’re at the moment in discussions with provide chain companions on methods to enhance manufacturing capability and additional assist on prices,” he stated, in response to a CNBC translation of a Chinese language-language investor day transcript offered by the corporate.
Sticking to China for now
Xiaomi has invested closely in its electrical automotive enterprise as Lei has long-term ambitions to turn into one of many high 5 automakers on the earth.
However for the subsequent three years, the corporate plans to completely concentrate on the home market, he advised buyers Tuesday.
Lei identified that Xiaomi already does enterprise in additional than 100 nations.
“We’ve a basis of world affect and Xiaomi followers,” Lei stated. “After we are able to enter the worldwide market, it ought to come naturally.”
Xiaomi additionally has plans for its subsequent electrical automotive, an SUV, set to be launched within the second half of 2025, Chinese language enterprise information website 36kr reported Wednesday, citing sources.
Lei declined to share particulars when requested about SUV plans on Tuesday.
“I feel one of many causes for the success of SU7’s launch was its confidentiality,” he added.
