In response to recent rumors hinting at a possible collaboration between electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO and renowned automaker Mercedes-Benz, NIO has taken a decisive stance by dismissing these claims as unfounded.
A spokesperson representing NIO firmly declared that the circulating reports regarding a potential partnership with Mercedes-Benz lack validity. When probed about the alleged collaboration, the spokesperson unequivocally informed CnEVPost, “It’s false information.”
The speculations gained momentum following the emergence of videos on August 4, showcasing NIO’s founder, chairman, and CEO, William Li, accompanying a group of foreign individuals during a tour of a battery swap station. This visual prompted conjecture that the foreign visitors could potentially be linked to Mercedes-Benz, reigniting discussions regarding a prospective alliance between the Chinese EV manufacturer and the esteemed German automaker.
The speculation was further fueled by a comment posted on August 4 by a user on a Chinese forum, asserting that NIO’s battery swap platform was poised to extend its reach to Mercedes-Benz. This projection suggested a novel avenue of profitability for NIO within the realm of electric vehicles.
The emergence of these videos and the forum comment triggered renewed dialogues, especially in the context of recent collaborations witnessed within the automotive industry. Notably, collaborations were forged between Volkswagen and Xpeng, as well as between Audi and SAIC in the preceding month.
This is not the first instance where NIO has vehemently refuted any association with Mercedes-Benz. Dating back to late May, an image portraying a meeting between Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola KĂ€llenius and NIO’s William Li at a NIO House has been circulating across various social media platforms. The precise timing of the photograph remains unverified, stirring curiosity about the nature of the discussions held during the encounter.
On June 13, a screenshot mimicking the style of NIO’s app page and official statements surfaced in several WeChat groups. The fabricated content suggested that Mercedes-Benz intended to integrate NIO’s battery swap network into its operations and adopt NIO’s standards for its forthcoming vehicle models. However, NIO’s legal department promptly intervened, denouncing the contents of the screenshot as a forgery.
In spite of NIO’s repeated and categorical denials of any ties to Mercedes-Benz, the lingering speculations underscore the allure of potential collaborations in the swiftly evolving electric vehicle sector. As both companies continue advancing within their respective domains, these persistent rumors underscore the fascination and interest surrounding prospective partnerships in the dynamic automotive landscape.
