Chinese search giant Baidu and automaker Geely have hired Mobike co-founder and former chief technology officer Xia Yiping as CEO of their newly formed electric car company, Reuters reported today, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Baidu announced last month that it would form a company with Geely Group to leverage its smart driving capabilities and Geely's car manufacturing expertise.

Baidu CEO Robin Li said on Thursday they had appointed a chief executive officer for the joint venture, without giving a specific name.

He also said they have decided on a brand and will try to launch a new electric car model in about three years.

Xia served as Mobike's chief technology officer until Mobike was acquired by Meituan in 2018.

Before joining Mobike, he worked at Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Baidu says it has decided on the CEO and brand for EV joint venture with Geely