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Xiaomi Auto has officially confirmed the appointment of Fabian Schmlz, formerly the chief exterior designer at Lamborghini, to lead its European design team. The move signals Xiaomi’s continued commitment to establishing a strong presence in the global electric vehicle (EV) market by attracting top-tier talent from established automotive brands.
While initial reports suggested a recent hiring, Schmlz’s LinkedIn profile reveals that he actually joined Xiaomi Auto in April 2025 as Head of Exterior Design, Europe. He is based in Schwabmünchen, Bavaria, Germany, indicating Xiaomi’s strategic focus on leveraging European automotive design expertise.
Schmlz brings a wealth of experience to Xiaomi. His design portfolio includes the Lamborghini Temerario, showcasing his ability to create aesthetically striking and high-performance vehicles. Prior to Lamborghini, his tenure at Porsche involved contributions to several key models, including the Porsche 718 Boxster, the Porsche Vision GT concept car, and the Mission E, the prototype that eventually became the Porsche Taycan. This background provides a strong foundation in both traditional sports car design and the emerging EV landscape.
This recruitment is significant for several reasons. First, it underscores Xiaomi’s commitment to design innovation as a key differentiator in the increasingly competitive EV market. By hiring a designer with a proven track record in luxury and performance vehicles, Xiaomi signals its ambition to compete not just on price, but also on aesthetics and brand appeal. Second, Schmlz’s European base positions Xiaomi to better understand and cater to the specific preferences of European consumers, a crucial factor for success in that market. The European market is known for its stringent safety regulations and demanding customer base, making localized design expertise essential.
Furthermore, Schmlz’s earlier visit to Beijing and Shanghai in May, where he attended Xiaomi’s 15th-anniversary strategic product launch and visited several Xiaomi Auto experience centers, points to a period of immersion in Xiaomi’s corporate culture and vision. This suggests a well-integrated design strategy where European aesthetics are balanced with Xiaomi’s broader technological ambitions.
Analysts believe that Xiaomi’s strategic hiring of experienced automotive designers is a critical element in solidifying its position in the EV industry. By combining its technological strengths with cutting-edge design, Xiaomi aims to challenge established automakers and capture a significant share of the global EV market.
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Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/8793.html
