Xiaomi is advancing its global automotive plans, including preparations to launch its electric vehicles (EVs) in international markets, with Malaysia among the markets under consideration.

Following the commercial performance of its SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV in China, the technology company is adapting its retail network to support its "Human x Car x Home" ecosystem strategy. Several of its global outlets have been designed to display vehicles alongside consumer AIoT products.

Representatives from Xiaomi were in Malaysia earlier this month to assess locations for a standalone, multi-storey facility that could house the company's first car showroom on the ground floor, with three to five additional floors potentially used to display its technology products.

Alongside multi-product showrooms, Xiaomi is developing standalone technology centres. One such facility has been established in Wuhan to preview the newly introduced SkyNomad (Pengcheng) family-oriented extended-range SUV range.

The company's regional rollout plans are based in part on existing facilities such as the Waigaoqiao Delivery Centre in Shanghai, which combines retail areas, technical diagnostics and vehicle delivery operations within a single facility.

Listings for automotive-specific Government Relations Manager positions on LinkedIn indicate that Xiaomi is in discussions regarding a potential entry into Malaysia, including the possibility of local assembly.

The advertised job requirements indicate that Xiaomi is preparing regulatory and compliance pathways for both completely built-up (CBU) imports and completely knocked-down (CKD) local assembly. These options would allow the company to assess different approaches to pricing and market entry alongside Chinese EV manufacturers that already operate in Malaysia.

These retail and corporate activities are consistent with Xiaomi Auto's stated objective of expanding vehicle distribution beyond China. This would also require right-hand-drive variants, which are reportedly being developed in China.