Archive — CN — technode
NIO reportedly seeks external investors for chip business
NIO is seeking external investors for its chip business, which has attracted interest after the successful deployment of its self-developed processors in vehicles. Although reports suggest a potential spin-off, NIO denied this is confirmed information.
Key points
- NIO is actively seeking outside investment for its chip making unit.
- The company's processors have recently been deployed at scale, generating interest from potential investors.
- NIO may consider separating its chip business while retaining control, but this has been labeled as speculative by their spokesperson.
- Currently, NIO utilizes two proprietary processors in its vehicles: one for lidar data processing and another, the Shenji NX9031, capable of over 1,000 TOPS using advanced five-nanometer technology.
Why it matters
- The move indicates growing competition in the EV market, where companies are increasingly investing in in-house technology, aligning with the trend of tech companies diversifying into chip production.
- This aligns with the 2025 IT trends focusing on the semiconductor industry's crucial role in enabling advanced technologies such as AI and autonomous driving.
NIO's pursuit of external investment in its chip business reflects the increasing importance of proprietary technology in the electric vehicle sector, amidst a backdrop of technology and automotive convergence.