Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
Electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio has quietly launched a targeted recruitment drive in China to expand its Middle East team, the local media outlet Yijian Auto reported on Wednesday.
The company officially launched in the region on October 22 marking its second wave of international expansion following the arrival in the European market via Norway in 2021 and four other markets in 2o22.
The recruitment is focused on senior roles, targeting positions from senior director up to assistant vice president (AVP) with vacancies including vehicle manufacturing, battery and electric systems, smart cockpit, and autonomous driving.
“Compensation is generally in line with domestic level 5 employees, but with more limited authority, focusing on specialized tasks. Finding suitable candidates is challenging, as they must be willing to work abroad for extended periods,” Yijian Auto reported citing “a source close to Nio MENA operations”.
Besides the parent brand Nio, the Shanghai-headquartered Group also plans to debut its sub-brands Onvo and Firefly in the region at a later stage.
A Nio spokesperson confirmed that both the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the UAE teams are “established and expanding.”
The covert recruitment reportedly aims to staff roles at a planned R&D center in Abu Dhabi, which will support the co-development of a regionally tailored vehicle and the deployment of battery-swap stations across the UAE.
When announcing Nio MENA, the joint venture established with its major investor CYVN Holdings, the company revealed it also plans to establish local production in the region, marking its first manufacturing plant outside China.
Last week, Nio MENA shared on social media that the CEO, Mohammed Maktari, met with H.E. Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, to discuss the expansion and sustainability goals in the region.
The Shanghai-based automaker introduced three models to the market at a launch event, including the flagship Nio EL8 SUV (marketed as ES8 in China), the coupe SUV Nio EC6, and the ET5 sedan.
The company has recently opened two pop-up stores at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi and Mall of the Emirates.
In late September, Nio’s founder and CEO, William Li, revealed that the company plans to open its first permanent showroom in Abu Dhabi, branded as Nio Space, in November.
“Nio House in Abu Dhabi will open in November. I’m also planning to visit Dubai either later this year or early next year,” Li said during a media briefing.
The company is also currently preparing to open a showroom at the Galleria Al Maryah Island, the second-largest shopping destination in the UAE.
The region’s first battery swap station is planned next to the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
