- The new team, led directly by Xiaomi's founder, is responsible for setting the technical direction for its next-generation EV technology architecture.
- The outcomes of the new team will be crucial for Xiaomi's future competitive strategy.
Xiaomi's (HKG: 1810) electric vehicle (EV) unit, Xiaomi EV, has established a new department to explore the technical foundation for next-generation products, according to a report today by local media outlet 36Kr.
The new unit, named the Architecture Department, will define the technical direction for Xiaomi's next-generation smart EVs, the report said.
The department includes several heads of R&D divisions and reports directly to Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun.
Cui Qiang, previously in charge of vehicle R&D, has joined this new department. Wang Zhensuo, formerly responsible for electric powertrains, has taken over Cui's role in vehicle R&D, 36Kr cited a source as saying.
The outcomes of the new department will shape the technological direction of Xiaomi's next-generation products, serving as a critical response to future competition and influencing its long-term market positioning, the report said.
Within traditional automakers, such functions are typically handled by secondary departments or project teams reporting to the CTO or R&D director.
Xiaomi's elevation of this function to a first-tier department under Lei's direct oversight demonstrates the company's commitment to forward-looking initiatives and emphasis on technological positioning, the report noted.
Xiaomi EV was established in 2021 and officially launched its first model, the SU7 electric sedan, on March 28, 2024, to competes with Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA) Model 3.
On February 27 this year, Xiaomi launched the SU7 Ultra, a performance-enhanced electric sedan built upon the standard SU7.
On June 26, Xiaomi launched the YU7, its first electric SUV (sport utility vehicle) and a competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
In September, Xiaomi EV delivered 41,948 vehicles, marking its third consecutive month of record-breaking performance, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
From January to September, Xiaomi EV deliveries totaled 266,722 units. It aims to deliver 350,000 vehicles in 2025.
In Lei's view, competition in the automotive industry will be "winner-takes-all," differing from perspectives held by some executives at other Chinese EV companies.
"Smart EVs may be the same as the consumer electronics and software industries, which are winner-take-all," he said during a January 2024 interview with state broadcaster CCTV.
Xiaomi had faced fierce competition since its inception, Lei said at the time, adding, "Even though we are entering the extremely competitive automotive space, I still believe Xiaomi can win in the end."
