Chinese technology giant Xiaomi, which does not yet sell cars in Europe, is actively preparing for international expansion and has begun recruiting key BMW employees for its European research center. The launch of Xiaomi's car brand outside of China is planned for 2027, but preparations are already in full swing, Reuters reports.
Xiaomi's European R&D center will be headed by Rudolf Dietry, who previously held senior positions at BMW. Together with him, the Chinese company was joined by two more top specialists from the Bavarian concern: Dusan Sarac, who worked at both BMW and Rolls-Royce, and Janis Hellwig, who took the position of Xiaomi's lead engineer and will be responsible for the development and integration of technologies into new models.
Xiaomi's European research center is not yet fully staffed - the company is actively looking for designers and aerodynamics specialists. According to unofficial information, the R&D hub will be located in Munich, in close proximity to BMW's headquarters, which gives the Chinese an additional opportunity to attract European specialists from the automotive industry.
The main task of this center will be the certification and adaptation of Xiaomi cars to the requirements of the European market. It is also likely to play an important role in improving safety technologies, driving dynamics and software for future models of the company.
So far, Xiaomi has presented only a few models: the electric sedan SU7, its powerful version SU7 Ultra and the crossover YU7, which is preparing to start sales. In 2026, the company plans to release a larger SUV, which, according to preliminary data, will be the first hybrid of the brand. Currently, this car is known under the code name Kunlun.
The active attraction of European specialists, in particular from BMW, confirms the seriousness of Xiaomi's intentions to enter the market of premium electric cars and compete with the leading manufacturers in Europe.