Xiaomi EV Accelerates European Expansion Plans With New Executive Reshuffle

Xiaomi's electric vehicle division has reassigned key executive responsibilities as the company prepares for its planned overseas market expansion. The latest management changes indicate that the automaker is accelerating preparations for entering international EV markets, with a major focus on Europe. Xiaomi EV has already outlined its long-term global strategy, and the company is now strengthening leadership roles to support manufacturing, overseas operations, and supply chain readiness ahead of its international rollout.

According to a report by local media Sina Tech, Xiaomi EV has appointed automotive division vice president Yu Liguo as the head of the overseas business preparation group. In his new role, Yu will report directly to Xiaomi Group CEO Lei Jun and president William Lu. The executive restructuring reflects the company's broader ambition to establish a stronger presence in global electric vehicle markets as competition within China's EV industry continues to intensify.

Xiaomi EV Strengthens Leadership for Global Expansion

Yu Liguo previously served as president of BAIC's Arcfox division before joining Xiaomi in 2022. Since joining the company, he has been responsible for several important automotive operations, including vehicle product definition and manufacturing activities. Under the latest restructuring, Yu will now focus primarily on building the foundation required for Xiaomi EV's international expansion strategy.

Xiaomi has previously stated that it aims to officially begin the globalization of its EV business during the second half of 2027. The company has selected the European market as the first destination for its overseas expansion plans. In addition, Xiaomi also intends to enter right-hand-drive vehicle markets during the first half of 2028 as part of its broader international roadmap.

Song Gang to Lead Manufacturing Operations

Former Tesla Shanghai factory manager Song Gang will now oversee production and manufacturing responsibilities for Xiaomi EV. He will continue reporting directly to Lei Jun while also serving as chief of staff for the automotive division. Song's experience in large-scale EV manufacturing is expected to support Xiaomi's rapid production expansion plans.

Song joined Tesla in 2018 and played a significant role in the development of Giga Shanghai. He also led the establishment of Tesla's Shanghai energy storage factory. In 2024, Song moved to renewable energy company Envision as senior vice president of integrated supply chain operations before joining Xiaomi EV in April this year as vice president and chief of staff.

Xiaomi EV Continues Aggressive Growth Strategy

Xiaomi management had already confirmed in August 2025 that the company planned to officially enter the European EV market in 2027. The company views Europe as the first overseas milestone for its electric vehicle operations. Further signaling its preparations, Xiaomi president William Lu shared an image on Weibo on July 5, 2025, showing an SU7 Ultra carrying a Germany license plate, identifying it as Xiaomi's first experimental vehicle registered in Europe.

Despite entering China's highly competitive EV market later than many rivals, Xiaomi has achieved rapid growth within a short timeframe. The company has set a full-year vehicle delivery target of 550,000 units for 2026, representing an increase of approximately 34% compared with the nearly 410,000 vehicles delivered during 2025.

Xiaomi EV Delivery Growth Overview

The company’s April deliveries exceeded 30,000 vehicles, marking strong month-on-month growth compared with the 21,440 units delivered during March. Xiaomi EV's rapid scaling in manufacturing and leadership restructuring demonstrates the company's intention to compete aggressively both in domestic and overseas EV markets over the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Xiaomi officially launch its EV business in Europe?
Xiaomi plans to officially begin its EV globalization strategy in the second half of 2027, with Europe selected as the first overseas market. The company has already started preparations by restructuring executive leadership and testing vehicles in European markets. Xiaomi president William Lu previously shared details about an SU7 Ultra registered in Germany, highlighting the company’s early-stage overseas readiness efforts. Xiaomi also plans to expand into right-hand-drive vehicle markets during the first half of 2028.

Who is leading Xiaomi EV's overseas expansion preparations?
Yu Liguo has been appointed as the head of Xiaomi EV’s overseas business preparation group. He previously served as president of BAIC’s Arcfox division and later joined Xiaomi in 2022. Yu has managed several core automotive functions including product definition and manufacturing operations. In his new position, he will oversee preparations for Xiaomi’s international EV expansion while reporting directly to Xiaomi Group CEO Lei Jun and president William Lu as the company advances its European market strategy.

What production targets has Xiaomi EV set for 2026?
Xiaomi EV has established a vehicle delivery target of 550,000 units for 2026, reflecting an increase of around 34% compared with approximately 410,000 vehicles delivered during 2025. The company has already shown strong growth momentum, with April deliveries exceeding 30,000 units compared with 21,440 units in March. Xiaomi’s aggressive production targets indicate its confidence in scaling manufacturing capacity and strengthening its competitive position within both China’s domestic EV market and future overseas operations.