On April 25, the AUCA Auto Club organized a unique industry tour, bringing together over 30 representatives from global institutions to NIO’s Second Advanced Manufacturing Base in Hefei, Anhui. The event offered an in-depth look at the forefront of China’s intelligent electric vehicle (EV) industry.

A Global Gathering for Innovation

Participants included alumni and representatives from Washington University in St. Louis, the Ohio State University, Arizona State University, Webster University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, BI Norwegian Business School, and members of the Thunderbird Global Management Alumni Association. Traveling from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, and even Canada, they converged at NIO House in Hefei Xinqiao Industrial Park—the world’s largest NIO Center.

Inside the "Factory of the Future": 756 Robots Redefining Automotive Excellence

Guided by Ms. Lu Yilan, General Manager of NIO’s Changzhou Region (a Thunderbird alumna), and Mr. Xia Yu, NIO’s Senior Technical Planning Advisor (a WashU alumnus), the group stepped into NIO’s Hefei Smart Factory, hailed as a "global benchmark for intelligent manufacturing."

756 robots work in seamless harmony, achieving 100% automated connectivity, with robotic arms executing precise welding and assembly while AGVs navigate the floor. "This factory has rewritten the rulebook for modern automotive production!" remarked attendees. Though internal photography was restricted, the highly automated workflows left an indelible impression.

Mr. Jia Yongquan, NIO’s Director of Manufacturing Engineering Integration, provided a deep dive into the factory’s full-chain digital ecosystem and groundbreaking technologies.

Test Drives: Zero-Gravity Acceleration, AI Cockpits & Battery-Swap Magic

The delegation experienced NIO’s flagship models, including the ET7 and ES8, testing their 3.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, the responsive NOMI AI assistant, and the industry-leading battery-swapping technology—sparking lively discussions.

Global Strategy: A Chinese Brand Going Worldwide

During the discussion, NIO shared updates on its global expansion, having entered Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden with a direct-sales and service network. Plans for deeper localization partnerships underscore NIO’s mission to bring Chinese smart EVs to the world stage.

This high-tech, design-forward, and eco-conscious tour not only connected global alumni with China’s top-tier EV innovators but also showcased the rise of "Made in China" as a synonym for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing.

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More details: 探秘中国智造：AUCA Auto Club参访蔚来合肥工厂，见证全球领先的智能汽车制造