Niohas refuted recent rumors of large-scale layoffs, calling them “ridiculously untrue” in a statement posted on its mobile app late Wednesday. The Chinese electric vehicle maker stated that its legal department has reported the matter to the police and warned that the individual responsible for spreading the false claim should be concerned about potential consequences.
The company reiterated that it is actively recruiting for several positions and welcoming new employees. The denial follows the circulation of a screenshot on social media earlier in the day, where a user alleged that an unnamed “luxury car company” was cutting 50% of its workforce and offering severance compensation. While the original post did not specify a company, a reply suggesting Nio was involved gained significant traction, sparking widespread speculation.
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The incident underscores the challenges companies face in an era of rapid information dissemination, particularly during periods of market uncertainty. Nio recently reported a decline in deliveries for January, attributed to seasonal factors such as the Chinese New Year holiday.
The company delivered 13,863 vehicles last monthāup 37.87% year-on-year but down 55.48% from Decemberās 31,138 units. Chinaās overall new energy vehicle (NEV) market saw similar trends, with retail sales falling 42.9% month-on-month.
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In response to increasing misinformation, Nio has intensified its efforts to combat malicious rumors. On February 9, the company launched a public tip-off initiative, offering rewards ranging from RMB 10,000 to RMB 1 million ($140,000) for credible leads. By February 14, Nio had received nearly 2,000 submissions and stated it was reviewing the information to pursue appropriate legal action.