China is the world leader in electric vehicle mass production, but few of those vehicles make it to the United States, owing to a 25% import duty. Presently, Chinese media sources are reporting that Nio, one of the largest of the new crop of Chinese electric automotive manufacturers, is considering locating a production plant in the United States. It would be one way to avoid some or all of those import tariffs.
Nio has declined to confirm or deny the reports. But some EV news outlets have compiled severe pieces of evidence pointing in that direction. According to Yicai, a local news source, Nio is looking to hire for leadership roles such as overseas manufacturing planning specialists and body process specialists for overseas projects. It also hires international planning and infrastructure specialists, as well as international logistics project managers.
Qualified Specialists Needed For US Operations
Candidates for planning specialists must have been in charge of two or more complete strategic planning projects, with at least one in the United States, according to the scope of work. Nominees for this position must also be able to fully comprehend US regulations, design codes, and planning submission processes, as well as workflow planning and master plan principles in the United States.
NIO’s US Headquarters in California
Nio as of now has self-driving research and development center and a software development team in San Jose, California. In addition, the company is seeking planning and infrastructure experts in San Jose. Expertise in regulatory systems in the industrial real estate industry is required for those roles.
According to a source, job requirements for the offshore logistics project manager and foreign project body process specialist indicate that a US factory could operate in Completely Knocked Down(CKD) or Semi Knocked Down(SKD) mode, with machine parts imported from China and assembled in the US.
Market Growth Planning In 25 Countries
Li stated that the company’s objective is to sell its products throughout 25 countries and territories worldwide by 2025, without explicitly stating which countries and regions will be included. According to media initial reports, the market growth plan also included the US, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
If Nio enters the US market, it may put a lot of pressure on American car manufacturers. Notably, if it offers vehicles that are less expensive than domestic models. That was how Japanese brands got their start in the US, and South Korean cars got on board. The price will be crucial. Nio could provide the affordably priced EVs that Tesla, Ford, GM, and Stellantis do not. It would be a huge help to customers who would like to drive EVs. But find today’s offerings to be too costly for their budgets.
It’s a luxury car, I would stick to that if I were NIO, however I’m all for affordable models too.
I’m waiting for the ET7 to arrive on the shores of the US. Being on the East coast, I need swap stations along the I-95 corridor.