Xiaomi Auto has hired Fabian Schmölz, formerly Lamborghini’s chief exterior designer, as Head of Exterior Design for its European operation in Munich, strengthening the brand’s styling capability as it eyes expansion beyond China.
The move was confirmed via Schmölz’s updated LinkedIn profile; his remit includes setting exterior design requirements for European models and contributing to global exterior planning.
Schmölz brings supercar pedigree. At Lamborghini, he worked on the new Temerario and earlier on the Lanzador concept, following an eight-year stint at Porsche that included the Mission E (the Taycan prototype), the Vision GT virtual concept and the 718 Boxster.
Chinese online tech site 36kr credits him with work on the 911 (992 ST). Xiaomi positions the hire as a way to inject sharper, more muscular surfacing into future products.
The appointment gels within Xiaomi’s growing European design and R&D footprint in Munich.
Reports highlight a compact team, with fewer than 50 people, augmented by at least nine recruits from legacy luxury marques including BMW, Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini.
Notable figures already in place include Xiaomi Auto chief designer Li Tianyuan, formerly with BMW. Company leaders have flagged 2027 as a likely first year for global expansion, with Europe a priority market.
