Xiaomi announced a hiring spree for self-driving engineers on Wednesday, as the Chinese smartphone maker accelerates plans for self-branded electric and autonomous vehicles. Xiaomi is seeking 500 experts in autonomous vehicles nationwide, according to a post published by chief executive Lei Jun on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. [Xiaomi announcement, in Chinese]

Didi is considering going private amid an investigation apparently connected to its recent IPO, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday citing people familiar with the matter. The price of the take-private offer could be around or a bit above the company’s issuing price of $14, one of the sources said. The company on Thursday night denied the report on its Weibo account, adding it is cooperating with the cybersecurity investigation. [WSJ]

Chinese retailer Suning appointed a new chairman, according to a Friday filing to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Huang Mingduan, the former head of Alibaba-owned supermarket operator Gaoxin Retail, replaces Suning founder Zhang Jindong. Alibaba holds a 20% stake in Suning after participating in a state-led $1.36 billion bailout. The appointment signals that Alibaba is taking a front seat in the daily operation of its former rival. [SZSE, in Chinese]

Smartphone shipments in the Chinese market were 79 million units in the second quarter, down 10% from the same period last year, according to market research firm IDC. Chinese smartphone maker Vivo sold the most, 18.6 million units. Vivo was followed by Oppo, Xiaomi, Apple, and Honor in IDC’s sales rankings. [IDC]