NIO and Bosch have signed a strategic cooperation agreement during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to China. The deal covers collaboration across NIO’s three brands — NIO, ONVO, and firefly — and targets core smart electric vehicle systems including drive-by-wire chassis, battery management, braking, steering, powertrain, body electronics, and sensing modules.
Highlights
- NIO and Bosch signed a strategic cooperation agreement spanning all three NIO brands during the German chancellor’s visit to Beijing.
- Collaboration targets core smart EV technologies including drive-by-wire chassis, battery management systems, and powertrain components.
- The partnership supports China-Germany industrial ties in energy transition and high-end manufacturing.
- NIO has surpassed 1 million total vehicle deliveries as of January 31, 2026.
Agreement Scope and Technology Focus
Dr. Shen Feng, Executive Vice President of NIO, signed the agreement alongside Dr. Johannes Sommerhaeuser, Regional President Asia-Pacific at Bosch Global Business Services. The deal aims to leverage complementary strengths across the industrial value chain.
The partnership focuses on several critical smart EV domains:
- Drive-by-wire chassis systems
- Battery management systems
- Braking and steering components
- Powertrain and body electronics
- Sensing modules
Both companies intend to advance joint innovation in these areas. The agreement also reflects deeper China-Germany cooperation in energy transition and manufacturing.
Diplomatic Context
The signing took place during a broader China-Germany economic exchange. On February 25, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chancellor Merz co-hosted a symposium of the China-Germany Economic Advisory Committee. More than 60 business leaders from both countries attended the event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
NIO founder, chairman, and CEO William Li participated as a representative of China’s automotive sector. During the discussions, Li joined Chinese and German industry leaders to exchange views on green development, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience.
NIO’s Global Position
NIO currently operates R&D centers and manufacturing facilities in more than 10 locations worldwide. These include Shanghai, Hefei, San Jose, Munich, Oxford, and Abu Dhabi. The company maintains sales and service networks across 24 countries and regions.
As of January 31, 2026, NIO Inc. had delivered a total of 1,024,774 vehicles. The company holds over 9,900 patents and has developed what it calls NIO Full Stack, a collection of 12 technology domains. Its current lineup includes eight models under the NIO brand, two under ONVO, and one under the firefly brand.
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