Emir Bardakçı
Jiyue CEO Xia Yiping rebuked the public relations director of the company, Xu Jieye, for inappropriate comments against Xiaomi and Lei Jun on a Weibo post not long ago. According to Xia Yiping, there had to be respect within the competitors of the industry, stressing that Jiyue values both rivalry and camaraderie in the automotive sector.
Context of the Incident
It all started on August 22 when Jiyue Auto public relations director Xu Jieye ran down Xiaomi and its founder Lei Jun over what he believes was a pure loss of money in selling cars. The remarks, having been posted on his circle of friends, immediately drew negative attention. Prompted by this event, Xia Yiping issued an internal reprimand against Xu Jieye due to the act.
Xia Yiping’s Views on Wholesome Competition
In the Weibo post, Xia Yiping clarified Jiyue’s attitude toward competition in the auto industry. The debates and arguments based on products and technology can be of benefit, for they instigate progress and innovation. He expressed deep condemnation toward Xu Jieye’s personal attacks, indicating the crossing beyond that scope which Jiyue could accept to discuss and infringing upon core values and principles.
Yiping was disappointed with Xu Jieye’s behavior and clearly told them that that was something Jiyue definitely did not accept. He warned everyone at Jiyue that although they could compete and argue with competitors or anyone else, they must not involve themselves in personal attacks against the character of others.
Emphasize unity and respect in the industry. Xia Yiping concluded his speech by pointing that the relationship of auto industry is dual: your competitor can also be your collaborator. He said Jiyue and competitors have a common ambitious goal for the development of China’s automobile industry and should respect each other even they are rivalling against each other. He reiterated that Jiyue is committed to proper ethical standards and ensuring a respectful, constructive environment both for the staff and its competitors. This, he believes, is very important if it would grow or even achieve any other successes in the industry.
