- Chinese technology company Xiaomi, may have only revealed its first EV (and vehicle) in late 2023, but its plans for worldwide expansion are already progressing rapidly – with the new automaker planning to open an EV R&D centre in Germany.
- As a Xiaomi spokesperson originally told Nikkei Asia, the new facility is planned to be built in Munich, Germany, right in the middle of BMW’s heartland – where its own headquarters is also based.
- The move shows a clear intent from Xiaomi to challenge established European manufacturers, by ensuring their EVs can meet the needs of European roads.
Xiaomi to open EV R&D facility in Munich, the same city as BMW’s headquarters
With the EV R&D centre being based in Munich, it’s clear that Xiaomi wants to access European talent hailing from OEMs in nearby and surrounding areas. That’s already been realised with its recently-appointed Head of European EV R&D, Rudolf Dittrich, who brings just over 15 years of experience in senior roles at BMW Group – with a focus on motorsport and small volume vehicles. A number of other ex-BMW employees have also reportedly joined the new research and development centre. Xiaomi’s job listings posted on LinkedIn also display a number of open positions for its Munich R&D centre, in aspects such as project management, exterior design, aerodynamics, and more.
Whilst Xiaomi have now confirmed that its European EV R&D facility is in operation, it’s still several years until we’ll see Xiaomi EVs on European streets. The manufacturer only plans to start selling models outside of China from 2027, whilst Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has previously said that its EVs will be sold in European countries before 2030. Xiaomi’s EV portfolio currently consists of just one model, the Porsche Taycan-rivalling SU7, but it’ll reportedly be soon joined by an electric SUV which will target vehicles like the Tesla Model Y – with more models to follow.
Xiaomi isn’t the first Chinese OEM we’ve seen taking advantage of Europe-based centres to further hone their cars to appeal not just in China, but to European customers also. Recent entrant into Europe, Changan Automobile, has had European design teams leading the styling of many of its new models, such as its chief designer, who previously designed models for Volkswagen and General Motors. That manufacturer has also established its own R&D centre in Birmingham, England.
Meanwhile, BYD are also poised to open a UK-based R&D centre. The general consensus from Chinese OEMs is clear: to succeed in Europe, local R&D is a key part of the puzzle, allowing them to both fine tune their cars for European customers, and attract an even wider pool of R&D and design talent.
