Nio has inaugurated a new R&D facility in Witney, Oxfordshire, which brings together its UK engineering team of more than 40 people in a single location to further enhance collaboration and global electric vehicle innovation.
The 9,460ft2 site at Book End merges Nio’s former UK facilities at Begbroke Science Park and Bicester Motion into a single unit, comprising a dedicated CAE workspace and vehicle laboratory. The R&D center will support closer collaboration across the UK team and provide a more spacious and efficient base for future vehicle development work as the Chinese auto maker marks 10 years of R&D in the UK.
Danilo Teobaldi, principal chief engineer, Nio, said, “Bringing our virtual and physical UK engineering teams together in Witney will accelerate the development of innovations that improve the user experience. With new facilities, we can ensure Nio’s UK-based team continues to pioneer in areas such as class-leading Euro NCAP results for all three group brands, along with smart chassis system solutions for our global platforms.”
Ten years of innovation
In 2016, Nio established its global R&D center for performance and advanced concept engineering in Oxfordshire. Over the past decade, the operation has supported its global vehicle development programs, from the EP9 electric supercar launched in 2016, through to the Nio ET9, its smart executive flagship EV. Its engineers in the UK have also worked on the development of Nio’s third brand, Firefly, and its first compact EV.
Hui Zhang, vice president, Nio Europe, said, “For a decade, our Oxfordshire team has been an integral part of Nio’s global R&D network, contributing to multiple vehicle programs and engineering innovations across our global portfolio. As we celebrate this milestone, we thank the team for its dedication, expertise and contribution to Nio’s development over the past 10 years. The opening of our new Witney R&D center reflects our long-term commitment to the UK, Europe and international collaboration in advancing smart electric mobility.”
The center will facilitate CAE, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), simulation, safety, Euro NCAP safety assessments, durability, handling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) developments. It will also serve as Nio Europe’s focal point for artificial intelligence regulation and representation within the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers’ (OICA) AI Cluster through the SMMT. Additionally, the team will contribute to EU policy and regulatory engagement through UNECE working groups and industry consultations.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented, “This investment highlights the UK’s enduring strength as a center of automotive collaboration and engineering excellence. Nio’s decision to consolidate its R&D activity here in a new, state of the art facility also reflects the depth of British talent and expertise in next-generation vehicle technologies.
“It is a timely reminder that amid fierce global competition for investment, the UK can continue to attract and grow high-value innovation, supporting jobs, skills and the transition to zero-emission mobility.”
Related news, Real-world EV test names Xpeng X9 top performer
