Nio deepens UK commitment with new R&D center in Oxfordshire

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio opened a new engineering facility in the English county of Oxfordshire on Thursday, marking a decade of investment and presence in the United Kingdom.

The Nasdaq-listed automaker, known for its battery-swapping technology, has yet to enter the UK retail market. However, the Nio brand was launched in London in 2016 alongside the debut of its record-breaking electric race car.

Since then, Nio has invested in research and development in Oxfordshire, home to the UK's "Motorsport Valley" and a leading center for advanced automotive engineering.

Located in Book End, Witney, the new facility consolidates Nio's former UK operations at Begbroke Science Park and Bicester Motion into a single site. The center includes a dedicated computer-aided engineering workspace and a vehicle laboratory, and is home to a team of around 50 engineers.

Senior executives, industry leaders, and local officials attended the opening ceremony, expressing optimism about future collaboration that draws on the complementary strengths and talent pools of China and Europe.

Yu Benlin, minister at China's embassy in the UK, said China is the world's largest producer and consumer of new energy vehicles. As the UK advances its net-zero strategy, he said, opportunities for cooperation in green transport are expected to grow.

"The complementary industrial strengths and matching resources of our two countries create enormous potential for cooperation," Yu said. "We welcome British companies to explore China's vast market and seize the opportunities created by its high-quality development. At the same time, we fully support Chinese companies in further expanding their presence in Britain, so that both sides can achieve mutual benefits."

Carl Rylett, chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council, said he was impressed by the new research center and welcomed overseas investment in the region.

"It's really good to see international collaboration, and it's very good to see job creation, particularly in green technology as we strive toward net-zero," Rylett said.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, echoed those sentiments, saying the UK has long maintained an open economy and business environment.

"We've got very strong academic institutions here and world-class R&D facilities, but we don't have all the answers to the challenges we face around safety, electrification, and growing demand for green transportation," Hawes said. "The more collaboration that takes place, the faster progress can be made, and that's good for both countries."

One of the major achievements of Nio's UK team has been its partnership with automotive technology company ClearMotion, to fine-tune an active suspension system designed to deliver a smoother driving experience. The technology has been installed in Nio's flagship ET9 sedan.

Mark Zhou, Nio's executive vice-president, said the ET9 reflects more than a decade of continuous innovation and development across multiple technology areas, including intelligent chassis systems, vehicle engineering, smart driving, and electrical architecture.

Danilo Teobaldi, Nio's principal chief engineer, described the UK team as a "special forces" unit, citing its expertise in performance and vehicle attribute development, systems engineering, software and controls, as well as regulation and compliance.

Zhang Hui, vice-president of Nio Europe, said the UK's open and pragmatic approach to international business and innovation has created a positive environment for cooperation and technology development.

"It has created a better pathway for smart electric vehicles from China to enter the UK market," Zhang said. "Looking ahead, globalization is an essential step for Chinese automotive companies, whether in the UK or elsewhere in Europe.

"Only by establishing a comprehensive ecosystem spanning market research, technology development, manufacturing, supply chains, and after-sales services can our companies succeed in the UK, across Europe, and in the global market."

To date, Nio has established overseas R&D centers and manufacturing facilities in San Jose, Munich, Budapest, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, and a sales and service network spanning 24 countries and regions. The company produced its millionth vehicle earlier this year.