Bosch expands cooperation with Nio
The new partnership covers a range of technologies, including chassis systems such as steer-by-wire, as well as powertrain components like battery management and drive systems. Sensor modules for autonomous driving are also part of the agreed package. However, no details regarding the financial scope of the partnership have been disclosed.The agreement between the German supplier and the Chinese EV manufacturer may have been negotiated over months, but its signing carries clear political symbolism. It coincided with the first state visit to China by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who travelled with a high-ranking business delegation.During the trip, Scholz attended the Symposium of the Sino-German Economic Advisory Council in Beijing alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang. William Li, founder and CEO of Nio, was also present at the event, representing his company.“During the discussions, Li joined Chinese and German industry leaders to exchange views on green and low-carbon development, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and the bilateral investment environment,” Nio stated. “He also engaged with representatives from German automotive companies on advancing mutual benefit and shared growth amid the global automotive industry’s accelerating shift toward electrification and smart mobility.”Chinese media outlets have emphasised the political dimension of the deal rather than its technical content. “The deal also reflects broader ambitions to elevate Sino-German cooperation in energy transition and advanced manufacturing, reinforcing industrial collaboration amid the global push for sustainable growth,” wrote the portal Gasgoo, closely echoing Nio’s official statement. CN EV Post was even more explicit: “This high-profile collaboration comes as Chinese automakers face trade barriers in Europe.”The agreement was signed on Nio’s side by Shen Feng, Executive Vice President of the company and Chairman of the Quality Management Committee. For Bosch, Johannes Sommerhäuser, Regional President for Asia-Pacific at Bosch Global Business Services and Board Member of Bosch China, put pen to paper.While supplier agreements between Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and German suppliers are not uncommon—and Nio operates a large site in Munich—the inclusion of steer-by-wire technology in the agreement with Bosch is noteworthy. This is because Nio’s flagship model, the ET9, which features a steer-by-wire steering system, currently collaborates with ZF for this technology.gasgoo.com, cnevpost.com, linkedin.com (Nio announcement)
