Ex-Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory Exec Joins Xiaomi EV Unit

According to Chinese media reports, former Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory manufacturing vice president Song Gang has officially joined Xiaomi Corporation’s automotive division as vice president and chief of staff.

In his new role, Song will oversee the manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing, and system operations departments, reporting directly to CEO Lei Jun.

The appointment marks another major executive reshuffle within Xiaomi Auto in recent months.

Public information shows that Song previously worked at GM and Ford before joining Tesla in 2018. He later participated in key phases of the construction and mass-production ramp-up of Gigafactory Shanghai.

During his tenure at Tesla, Song led the localization rollout of the Model 3 and helped launch the second-phase Shanghai plant dedicated to Model Y production.

Beyond scaling output, Song also played a major role in localizing Tesla’s supply chain in China, pushing the Shanghai factory’s local parts sourcing ratio above 95%, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

Song left Tesla in December 2024 and joined Envision Energy five days later in a supply chain management role.

In fact, shortly after his departure from Tesla, market rumors suggested he would join Xiaomi Auto.

At the time, Xiaomi Group public relations general manager Wang Hua indirectly denied the speculation, stating that Xiaomi Auto’s factory already had its own management structure and was not led by Song.

Data shows Xiaomi Auto’s vehicle deliveries rebounded to above 30,000 units in April. Deliveries had slowed in February and March due to production line adjustments and new model ramp-up activities.

Meanwhile, deliveries of the updated SU7 began on March 23, with orders continuing to rise. Xiaomi said locked-in orders exceeded 80,000 units within 48 days of launch.

Song’s arrival is expected to help Xiaomi Auto improve manufacturing efficiency, supply chain coordination, cost control, and large-scale delivery stability.

Notably, Xiaomi Auto’s recent management changes extend beyond manufacturing operations.

A few days ago, Xiaomi Auto vice president Yu Liguo was appointed head of the company’s overseas business preparation team.

Last week, Xiaomi also unveiled its European R&D center team, led by former BMW Group executive Rudolf Dittrich, alongside several former BMW, Porsche AG, and Automobili Lamborghini designers.

According to previously disclosed plans from Xiaomi president Lu Weibing, Xiaomi Auto intends to officially begin global expansion in the second half of 2027, with Europe as its first overseas market, followed by entry into right-hand-drive markets in the first half of 2028.