In a bold move signaling its global ambitions, Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has recruited top talent from BMW to help launch its first electric vehicle research and development center in Europe.
A Strategic Shift Toward Automotive Innovation
Best known as the world’s third-largest smartphone maker, Xiaomi only recently ventured into the EV space with the launch of its SU7 sedan. The shift marked a dramatic evolution for a company previously focused on consumer electronics — and now, it’s setting its sights on disrupting the European car market.
From Smartphones to EV Market Disruptor
After just one year in the automotive game, Xiaomi has already made waves in China. Since December, its SU7 has consistently outsold Tesla’s Model 3, putting global competitors on notice. According to Xiaomi president Lu Weibing, the company plans to begin overseas car sales in 2027 — with Europe clearly in its crosshairs.
BMW Veterans Join Xiaomi’s Ranks
LinkedIn updates and company posts reveal Xiaomi has hired at least five former BMW executives to join its European EV R&D efforts. Among the most notable recruits is Rudolf Dittrich — a 15-year BMW veteran — who now heads Xiaomi’s new research center.
Additional key hires include:
- Dusan Sarac — formerly a manager at BMW, now part of the new European team
- Jannis Hellwig — another BMW alumnus, serving as a senior engineer for performance development and integration
These appointments demonstrate Xiaomi’s commitment to blending tech innovation with deep automotive expertise — especially from one of Europe’s most iconic carmakers.
Munich to Host R&D Operations
Though Xiaomi has not provided an official launch timeline, its EV R&D center is already “in the process of planning,” the company confirmed to Reuters. Job listings on LinkedIn suggest that the facility will be based in Munich — a symbolic and strategic location at the heart of Germany’s auto industry.
Ongoing Recruitment in Key Areas
Current open positions for the Munich center include:
- Senior automotive designer
- Senior automotive exterior designer
- Vehicle dynamics engineers
With these hires, Xiaomi appears to be assembling a multidisciplinary team aimed at combining its consumer tech strengths with European engineering excellence.
Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond
While Lu Weibing has confirmed plans to launch Xiaomi EVs internationally by 2027, he has not yet revealed specific markets the company intends to target. However, with seasoned German engineers onboard and Munich as its operational hub, the European EV sector may be one of Xiaomi’s first major battlegrounds outside China.
As legacy automakers, tech companies, and startups alike compete for dominance in the electric mobility era, Xiaomi’s entry — backed by experience from BMW and a proven ability to scale innovation — adds a fresh and formidable player to the global EV race.
