The 2026 China Auto Chongqing Forum was held from June 12 to 13, where Song Gang, Vice President and Chief of Staff of Xiaomi Auto, delivered a speech.
In his speech, Song Gang noted that in current automotive industry discussions, manufacturing and supply chains are often regarded as "low-class" topics, with people more inclined to talk about advanced technologies and new products. However, manufacturing has actually been redefined.
He mentioned that Musk once said, "Tesla's real moat is manufacturing." This is because Tesla, while innovating, is also studying how to keep manufacturing aligned with the introduction of new materials and new applications in products. For Xiaomi, manufacturing must be the "third driving force beyond products and branding," just like a heavy carriage dragged by two horses; manufacturing must lightweight the entire carriage and provide forward momentum.
Song Gang pointed out that with the takeoff of China's manufacturing industry, manufacturing capacity and efficiency have been greatly improved, but now it is necessary to push manufacturing further forward, especially on the R&D side. While all products use new materials and technologies, a good solution is needed to ensure rapid adaptation, quality, and quantity, which places higher demands on manufacturing.
He emphasized the importance of incorporating manufacturing concepts into the early stages of product development. During the simultaneous engineering process, many manufacturing ideas and early capabilities (such as simulation capabilities) should be integrated into product drawings in advance, thereby reducing failures and changes that may occur during DV/PV (design verification/production verification) and subsequent testing. "On the one hand, the market competes on products; on the other hand, it competes on speed. Manufacturing can assist R&D in many ways and promote overall efficiency."
Finally, Song Gang called for attention: Looking ahead to the next ten years, China's automotive industry is growing rapidly, but amid the complex competition, quality and reliability determine how far one can go on the track and how strong one can be in the international market. "I call on all peers to pay attention to manufacturing and supply chains, to focus on the ballast stones of the industry, and to work together on quality assurance to ensure that China's automotive industry continues to lead globally and maintain a good reputation."
