Novelis has announced it has expanded its automotive supply capabilities by signing an agreement with next-generation car company, NIO, to provide innovative aluminium solutions for its fleet of smart, high-performance, premium electric vehicles.
NIO will use Novelis Advanz™ aluminium alloys to create a wide range of structural components and parts for its aluminium -intensive NIO electric SUV models to be launched over the next five years.
The NIO partnership marks Novelis’ first major commitment in the premium electric vehicle space. As the industry leader, Novelis is uniquely positioned to meet the increasing demand for automakers designing a new generation of lighter, better performing and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Supply for NIO will come from Novelis’ Changzhou plant, China’s first facility dedicated to manufacturing heat-treated automotive sheet, which demonstrates Novelis’ long-term commitment and capability to supply product in Asia for auto manufacturers based in that region and globally.
“This seminal relationship with NIO is pushing the limits of what is possible with electric vehicles from both a performance and design standpoint,” said Pierre Labat, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Global Automotive, Novelis. “It underscores that Novelis is more than just a material supplier, we are collaborators and problem solvers working closely with design teams to help ensure vehicles are built to maximise the unique attributes of aluminium and meet the mobility demands of the future.”
Novelis’ expertise and experience working with world-class automakers make it the best choice for NIO and the right choice for the electric vehicle market.
NIO Founder and Chairman, William Li, said, “This partnership of mutual benefit will bring confidence and new capabilities to the booming global EV market. The two companies will work together closely and push forward the application of lightweight materials in the next-generation of electric vehicles.”
With over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, Novelis is the only automotive aluminium supplier with production capabilities in all three major auto-producing regions – Asia, Europe and North America. Its products are featured in more than 180 different vehicle models, representing the safest, strongest, and most durable cars and trucks on the road today.