NIO has consolidated its UK engineering operations into a new research and development centre in Witney, Oxfordshire, bringing together more than 40 engineers under one roof as the smart EV manufacturer marks 10 years of innovation in the county.
The new 9,460ft² facility at Book End combines activities previously based at Begbroke Science Park and Bicester Motion, creating a single hub featuring computer-aided engineering (CAE) workspaces and vehicle laboratory facilities. NIO says the move will strengthen collaboration across its UK engineering team and support the development of future vehicle programmes for global markets.
The Oxfordshire operation was established in 2016 as NIO’s global centre for performance and advanced concept engineering and has played a role in the development of several key vehicles. These include the EP9 electric supercar, launched in 2016, through to the company’s latest flagship model, the ET9. Engineers at the UK site have also contributed to the development of Firefly, NIO’s compact electric vehicle brand.
The opening of the new facility was attended by senior NIO executives, industry representatives and guests, including Mark Zhou, executive vice-president of NIO and chairman of its Product Committee, Hui Zhang, vice-president of NIO Europe, Danilo Teobaldi, principal chief engineer at NIO, Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and Yu Benlin, minister at the Chinese Embassy in the UK.
Hui Zhang said the Oxfordshire team had become a key part of the company’s global engineering network over the last decade.
“For a decade, our Oxfordshire team has been an integral part of NIO’s global R&D network, contributing to multiple vehicle programmes and engineering innovations across our global portfolio,” he said. “The opening of our new Witney R&D centre reflects our long-term commitment to the UK, Europe and international collaboration in advancing smart electric mobility.”
The expanded facility is expected to enhance cooperation between NIO’s UK, European and Chinese engineering teams, helping to accelerate vehicle development and innovation.
Danilo Teobaldi said bringing together the company’s virtual and physical engineering activities at a single location would improve efficiency and support future technology development.
“Bringing our virtual and physical UK engineering teams together in Witney will accelerate the development of innovations that improve the user experience,” he said. “With new facilities, we can ensure NIO’s UK-based team continues to pioneer in areas such as class-leading Euro NCAP results and smart chassis system solutions for our global platforms.”
The UK operation undertakes a broad range of engineering activities, including CAE, computational fluid dynamics, simulation, safety assessment, durability, vehicle handling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) development. It also plays a role in AI regulation and policy engagement through industry bodies and international working groups.
Commenting on the investment, Mike Hawes said: “This investment highlights the UK’s enduring strength as a centre of automotive collaboration and engineering excellence. NIO’s decision to consolidate its R&D activity here in a new, state-of-the-art facility reflects the depth of British talent and expertise in next-generation vehicle technologies.”
NIO recently produced its one millionth vehicle, underlining the company’s continued international growth.