Xiaomi Appoints Former Arcfox President as VP of Auto Business

Chinese consumer electronics giant Xiaomi on Friday appointed former BAIC executive Yu Liguo as vice president of Xiaomi Auto and political commissar for the venture’s Beijing headquarters, according to an internal email, signaling that the company is ramping up efforts in the automotive realm.

Yu will be responsible for coordinating the overall management of Xiaomi Auto, including business promotion, organization and talent building at the Beijing headquarters. Having joined Xiaomi in the second half of 2021, Yu brings rich experience and contacts from across the automobile industry, especially pertaining to brand building and overall management.

Yu has received a doctorate in engineering from the Beijing Institute of Technology. He was previously head of strategic planning at Chinese state-owned automaker BAIC Group, executive vice president of BAIC New Energy, and was also chairman of Blue Park Smart Energy Technology.

Previously, Yu was in charge of BAIC’s new energy strategic planning, fixed investment and joint venture cooperation. During his time at BAIC, Yu led the creation of the Arcfox brand and served as president of the unit.

Xiaomi Auto highly values Yu’s experience in the process of establishing the Arcfox brand, as well as in the cooperation between BAIC, Huawei and Magna International.

SEE ALSO: Xiaomi Auto Signs Contract to Build Factory in Yizhuang, Beijing in Two Phases

The company unveiled at the end of November that its auto plant has achieved an annual production capacity of 300,000 units. The facility will be built in two phases, the announcement said, adding that Xiaomi‘s first car is expected to roll off the production line and enter into mass production in 2024.