Xiaomi sets 2028 target for global right-hand drive push as Australia hiring begins

Xiaomi’s automotive ambitions are rapidly taking shape on the international stage. Following hints of local ground-laying in Southeast Asia earlier this year, the Chinese tech giant has officially initiated recruitment in Sydney, Australia, signaling the next concrete phase in its global right-hand-drive (RHD) expansion scheduled for the first half of 2028.

Sydney job postings signal APAC infrastructure

According to recent job listings posted under Xiaomi Technology, the company is recruiting for two crucial automotive roles in Sydney:

• Senior Legal Counsel (Automotive), Australia: Tasked with handling sales, after-sales operations, regulatory compliance, and contracts ahead of a planned local showroom launch in 2028.
• Product Manager, International Instalment Finance: Focused across the broader Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to partner with banks and financial institutions, establishing vehicle financing, pricing structures and residual-value management.

This Australian hiring spree aligns directly with the overseas timetable outlined by Xiaomi President Lu Weibing during the company's Investor Day, where he confirmed a European market entry in the second half of 2027, followed by a rollout into major RHD markets in early 2028.

Connecting the dots: Building on Xiaomi’s Malaysian groundwork

This latest development ties back to BitAuto's earlier report in July 2026, which revealed that Xiaomi had listed a job opening for an Automotive Government Relations Manager in Malaysia.

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While recruitment activity across Malaysia and Australia suggests serious preparation, it is important to note that these moves do not guarantee an official brand launch or confirmed vehicle release in these markets.

In the automotive industry, establishing local legal, government relations and financial roles is often part of an early-stage feasibility study and market evaluation process.

Until Xiaomi officially announces distribution partnerships, showroom networks or vehicle launch dates for Malaysia or Australia, these hiring efforts should be viewed as preliminary groundwork and exploratory research rather than an absolute commitment to enter the local market.