BAIC Group, a Beijing-based automaker, has sought approval from regulators to manufacture two electric vehicles (EVs) under the Xiaomi brand, according to China's industry ministry website. This move by Xiaomi, known for its smartphones and appliances, could intensify competition in the world's largest auto market, which has been grappling with overcapacity and slowing demand. BAIC ORV plans to produce two versions of the Xiaomi-branded model in Beijing, one with BYD's lithium iron phosphate batteries and the other with CATL's nickel- and cobalt-based lithium batteries. Both models will feature the "MI" logo and the "Xiaomi" name.