In a recent development, NIO, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, has once again drawn attention by recruiting top talent from its competitor, XPeng. The trend seems to be gaining momentum as NIO aims to strengthen its position in the market. One notable addition to NIO’s team is Liu Fanfan, formerly the vice general manager of XPeng’s Internet center, who has now assumed the role of head of NIO’s navigation and location services division. This strategic move signifies NIO’s commitment to enhancing its digital cockpit and software development capabilities.
As part of its evolution, NIO is gradually phasing out its NT 1.0 platform and transitioning its models to the more advanced NT 2.0 platform. The company has also disclosed its plans to introduce sub-brand models based on the cutting-edge NT 3.0 platform, expected to be launched next year. Liu Fanfan, now heading the smart cockpit delivery for NIO’s NT 3.0 platform models, holds a pivotal role in driving innovation and providing a seamless user experience.
Liu Fanfan brings with him a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, particularly in the field of in-car navigation. With over a decade of service at in-car navigation provider Telenav, he possesses valuable insights and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in developing advanced navigation systems. His stint at XPeng’s Internet center further solidified his expertise, where he was responsible for map navigation, in-car systems, and app ecosystem business. It was during this time that XPeng’s impressive in-car system, Xmart OS, was introduced.
XPeng experienced significant growth after its successful listing in Hong Kong in June 2021, witnessing its team expand to nearly 14,000 employees by the end of that year—double its size from 2020. However, 2022 brought substantial restructuring within XPeng, resulting in the departure of several mid-level R&D staff and executives who opted to join NIO. This exodus of talent further showcases NIO’s appeal and the growing reputation it enjoys in the industry.
NIO’s ability to attract exceptional talent is evident through the acquisition of key individuals from XPeng. One prominent example is Harry Wong, formerly the director of self-driving products at XPeng, who joined NIO last April to spearhead the development of the self-driving experience. Additionally, Zhao Hengyi, former head of voice recognition at XPeng, also made the switch to NIO in September of the previous year. Zhao’s responsibilities at NIO encompass crucial areas such as the virtual voice assistant Nomi, highlighting NIO’s commitment to delivering exceptional product experiences.
