Leapmotor Executive: Spec Wars Have Become Homogeneous—Automakers Must Return to Core User Value

At the 4th Future Mobility Pioneers Conference, Xu Jun, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd., delivered a speech highlighting how the automotive industry is currently trapped in a "specification arms race." He argued that excessive focus on metrics such as range, computing power, and hardware configurations has led to severe product homogenization. Xu noted that while the difference between a 700-kilometer and a 1,000-kilometer range is barely perceptible to users in real-world usage, it significantly increases costs. Similarly, boosting computing power from 30 TOPS to 1,000 TOPS yields a user experience improvement far smaller than the magnitude of the spec increase suggests. He categorized user needs into three types: undiscovered needs, clearly articulated but unmet needs, and over-satisfied needs. Leapmotor’s strategy, he explained, is to “meet needs just right”—avoiding forcing users to pay for redundant features. According to Xu, specifications are merely an entry ticket in market competition; the real differentiator lies in returning to business fundamentals—delivering precisely tailored value that matches users’ actual needs. Xu emphasized that Leapmotor builds its “hidden strengths” through system-level integration (such as CTC—Cell-to-Chassis battery integration), scenario-driven product definition (e.g., the six-seater C16 model designed specifically for families with two children), and comprehensive in-house R&D capabilities—all aimed at cost reduction and efficiency gains. Additionally, Leapmotor is exploring AI-powered digital avatars to deepen user engagement, shifting the competitive paradigm from hardware-defined vehicles to user-relationship-defined differentiation. In closing, Xu stated that companies should strive to “move steadily, survive sustainably, and accompany users for the long haul,” thereby fulfilling their commitment to delivering lasting value to consumers.