Beijing (ZXZC)- A member of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, Beijing Smartmi Technology Co., Ltd., is reportedly initiating its automaking process. Multiple talents from the EV field are joining the company, as sources close to the matter told a local media outlet.

Photo credit: Xiaomi

Ma Yongdong, the former senior program engineering manager responsible for electric vehicle projects at GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, has reportedly joined Smartmi, heading the company’s automotive business. Meanwhile, multiple members specializing in electronic and electrical architecture from BAIC Group are also said to join Smartmi.

Smartmi will focus on manufacturing passenger vehicles, and its first model will be an SUV, the sources added. However, the automaking business of Smartmi is considered independent from Xiaomi EV so far, as there is no evident support detected from Xiaomi to the former.

Smartmi is a subsidiary held by Xiaomi, specializing in air-conditioners and air purifiers.

Liu De, co-founder of Xiaomi, holds over 90% of the company’s stock and owns its working control. Liu is the initiator of the Xiaomi eco-chain and represents Xiaomi in its eco-chain companies’ shares. Smartmi’s personnel information can be accessed via Xiaomi’s internal OA system, sources told the local media outlet.

Additionally, Beijing Smartmi Technology Co., Ltd. has yet to respond to the rumor.