Xiaomi’s Sydney hiring is the strongest sign yet its EVs will reach NZ

Xiaomi is recruiting in Sydney for an Australian automotive business, giving the strongest indication yet that its electric cars will eventually reach New Zealand.

Two LinkedIn job listings posted in mid-October cover legal and finance roles for the car operation, with staff being hired locally to handle sales, after-sales and customer finance. Neither listing mentions New Zealand, but Australian distribution usually brings New Zealand with it, particularly for Chinese brands, which often run New Zealand as part of their Australian operation.

The first is for a Senior Legal Counsel (Automotive), Australia, based in Sydney. Xiaomi Technology says it is looking for someone “responsible for our Australian Automotive Business in a highly dynamic and international environment”.

The listing says the role will “especially support sales and after-sales related legal matters of the automotive business of Xiaomi”, and that the successful candidate may develop into a team leader role in the Australian business. Duties include contracts, reviewing marketing campaigns, dealing with regulators and supporting the sales, after-sales, finance, tax and HR teams.

Car finance role

The second listing, for a Product Manager, International Instalment Finance, is also based in Sydney and covers the Asia-Pacific region.

The role involves managing relationships with banks and leasing companies across the region and setting up the framework for “overseas auto finance products”, including pricing and residual value management. Experience in Asia-Pacific or Australia is preferred.

Neither listing says how Xiaomi plans to sell its cars in Australia.

Europe first

Xiaomi says Europe will be its first export market for cars, starting with Germany in 2027. In September it signed memoranda of understanding with eight German dealer groups, including Emil Frey and Penske-Jacobs. Right-hand drive production is expected to follow in 2028.

In China, Xiaomi sells the SU7 sedan, the YU7 SUV and the Skynomad large SUV. It delivered more than 410,000 vehicles in 2025, its first full year of car sales, and is targeting 550,000 this year.

This story first appeared on our sister site, AutoTalk Australia.