On July 29, Li Auto officially announced that the company would donate 10 million CNY to the Beijing Charity Association to support the disaster-stricken areas affected by heavy rainfall, for emergency rescue efforts, assistance to affected residents, and post-disaster reconstruction.
On the same day, Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, announced that the Xiaomi Public Welfare Foundation would donate 5 million CNY in cash and 350,000 CNY in emergency supplies to aid in the relief efforts for the heavy rainfall disaster in North China. NIO also announced that the company, in collaboration with the NIO Users Public Welfare Foundation, would donate 2 million CNY to support the disaster-stricken areas, joining forces with the China Charity Federation.
Due to the influence of the warm and humid air flow from the outer edges of the subtropical high-pressure system, Beijing began experiencing significant rainfall starting on July 24, 2025, marking the heaviest rainfall event of the flood season.
On July 27, 2025, at 8:00 AM, the Ministry of Natural Resources initiated a Level III geological disaster defense response for Beijing. On July 28, at 12:00 PM, Beijing issued a red rainstorm warning, and at 8:00 PM on the same day, the Beijing Flood Control Headquarters initiated a Level I emergency response. According to the Beijing Meteorological Bureau, the rainfall largely ended by July 29, 2025, and at 2:30 PM on July 29, the yellow rainstorm warning signal was lifted. This prolonged and extreme rainfall caused significant disasters, with the average rainfall in the city reaching 165.9 mm by July 28, 2025, and the heavy rain led to 30 fatalities as of July 28, 2025, 24:00.
In the face of this sudden natural disaster, Chinese automakers have come together to contribute to society. When society faces disaster or difficulty, these companies actively donate money and supplies, demonstrating their care and sense of responsibility towards society. Such actions win public praise and recognition, helping to establish a positive image for the brands in the public’s mind. For a company, donating is simply a manifestation of justice and should not be criticized as “moral coercion.” Donation is not a competition, and regardless of the amount, every contribution is deserving of recognition. Looking ahead, more companies are expected to lend a hand, and the automotive industry’s attention to the issue will continue.
