Electric car maker Nio is considering buying an Audi plant in Belgium as part of its strategy to localize production in Europe and avoid European Commission tariffs on imports Chinese electric cars.
Citing reliable sources, local media reported that a delegation from the Shanghai-based electric car maker recently visited the plant and is preparing a tender offer to be submitted to the Volkswagen Group by Monday, September 23.
In Europe, the company, under the leadership of William Lee, has a plant to assemble its battery change stations. Once ready, the stations are shipped to Nio's five markets across the continent.
The plant, located southwest of Brussels, currently employs 2,910 people and unions expect two major layoffs in the coming months as Volkswagen Group decided to halt production due to “low demand for the Q8 e-tron SUV, high costs and logistical problems“.
About 1,500 jobs are expected to be cut next month and another 1,100 in May 2025. Earlier this month, plant management confirmed during a staff meeting that neither Audi nor any other Volkswagen Group brand will be commissioned to produce a new model at the plant.
Earlier this week, Nio started deliveries of its flagship SUV, the EL8, in Europe. Next year, Nio will introduce its second sub-brand. The brand, called Firefly, is aimed at a cheaper segment of the market than the Onvo sub-brand, which focuses on smaller cars.