Ford CEO Drives a What!?

When you picture a car parked in the CEO's reserved spot at Ford Motor Company, what comes to mind? Maybe a conventional V8 Mustang? a rugged Bronco? an F-150 Lightning? or even a Mach-E? That would make sense! After all, the head honcho of one of America’s most iconic automakers should be driving the home team’s best, right? Well, brace yourself, because the story of Ford CEO Jim Farley’s surprising daily driver is about to take a sharp turn. Spoiler alert: it’s not a even a Ford.

Jim Farley and His Unexpected Choice

Let’s start with the basics. Jim Farley, a man who eats, sleeps, and breathes Ford’s mission to lead in innovation, is well known for his candid and down-to-earth style. Whether he’s firing up Twitter (or X, as it’s now called) with announcements or taking a hands-on approach to driving the company’s latest prototypes, Farley doesn’t just sit in a corner office. He’s out there, driving the mission—literally. But even those closest to the company might do a double take at his vehicle of choice.

So, what’s the deal? Why is the CEO of Ford rolling up in a car made by a Chinese automaker? Let’s pull back the curtain. It turns out, Farley has chosen the Xiaomi SU7. Wait, Xiaomi? Like the tech giant known for smartphones and smart-home gadgets? Yeah, that Xiaomi.

In case you missed it, the Chinese company has been making waves in the automotive world, dipping its toes into electric vehicles (EVs) with sleek, tech-packed cars. The SU7 is one of their latest creations—a crossover EV with futuristic styling, a killer price tag, and more screens than a small cinema.

Why the Xiaomi SU7?

So what’s the deal? Why was Jim Farley behind the wheel of a Xiaomi SU7?

Here’s how it reportedly went down. Farley, known for his hands-on leadership style, has a reputation for keeping a close eye on competitors. Not just through spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations but by actually experiencing what they have to offer. If it’s a rival EV or some bold new innovation, Farley’s the type to dig in and see for himself.

Rumor has it, the SU7 caught his eye not just because of its growing buzz in EV circles but because of its focus on integrating tech into every aspect of the driving experience. From its fully autonomous driving modes to a dashboard that feels more like a tablet convention, it’s clear Xiaomi is aiming to redefine what “modern mobility” looks like. Naturally, Farley had to know: could this car be the real deal?

What’s So Special About the SU7?

Who wouldn’t be curious? The SU7 is positioned as a disruptor: a vehicle designed to be a Porsche Taycan rival. Its minimalist interior, advanced AI systems, and aggressive pricing strategy (seriously, it undercuts most major EV competitors) are hard to ignore. It’s supposed to offer “Porsche performance for a Kia cash”, that’s a line from a MARCARS on YouTube video promoting the SU7! Take a look at its specs:

• Power & Performance: Up to 664 HP (Max model), 0-100 km/h in 2.78 seconds, top speed of 265 km/h. (164 MPH)

• Range: Up to 830 km (515 Miles) (Pro model) with advanced battery options (LFP and NMC).

• Tech: Xiaomi Pilot driver assistance, 16.1-inch 3K touchscreen, HyperOS powered by Snapdragon 8295.

• Price: Starting around $30,400 in China.

• Design: Sleek, aerodynamic sedan with a drag coefficient of 0.195 and a spacious, minimalist interior.

But here’s the kicker: Farley didn’t just sit in it for a quick spin around the block. Reports suggest he dove deep into the car’s systems, testing features like Xiaomi’s proprietary autonomous driving software and the seamless app connectivity that makes Tesla look like it’s still figuring out Bluetooth.

What does this mean for Ford? On one hand, it’s a bold move that shows Farley’s willingness to embrace competition head-on. On the other, it could signal that the traditional automakers still have some catching up to do in the tech-driven EV space. After all, Xiaomi is the very definition of a new kid on the block, and it’s already making waves big enough to draw the attention of industry giants.

Is this a case of “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer”? Or did Farley’s time in the Xiaomi SU7 spark ideas that could fuel Ford’s next big move in the EV race? One thing’s for sure: when the CEO of Ford takes a drive on the wild side, the industry pays attention.

Sources:

fordauthority.com, caranddriver.com, carscoops.com,