Nio CEO's Hilarious Phone Call: Checking Out Tesla's Model 3

author: FutureCar Staff    

Photographs of Nio Inc NIO CEO William Li exploring the newly updated Tesla Inc TSLA Model 3 at the IAA Mobility show in Munich have been making the rounds on social media. These snapshots show Li fully engaged with the sleek Model 3, even taking a call on the side. Social media users couldn't resist cracking a few jokes.

One user humorously commented, "More screens, fewer buttons. Write that down." Another chimed in, "I'm currently looking at the new Tesla Model 3, and that thing is a beauty! Stop everything you're doing and go order us a couple ASAP." Speculation arose that Li was calling for an emergency meeting, leading someone else to joke, "Bro is calling his entire staff for an emergency meeting." Yet another user guessed that he was saying, "That is not a competitor."

While some noticed that Li doesn't appear too thrilled in the photos, others commended his enthusiasm for assessing the competition. A user named RealKP reasoned, "No shame in checking out the competition. If you want to beat the best, you gotta know what they are doing."

The recent launch of the refreshed Model 3 by Tesla in China, priced at 259,900 yuan (about $35,769), with various improvements, holds significance. It marks a 12% increase over the previous version. Nio, a notable Tesla competitor in China, is also expanding its presence in European markets, potentially setting the stage for a face-off with the EV giant.

Nio offers several vehicles in the same segments as Tesla. Its ET7 competes with the Model S, while the ES7 competes with the Model Y. The ET5 is considered a competitor to the Model 3. Li acknowledges Tesla's efficiency in vehicle production and direct sales but emphasizes that Nio's user-centric approach is a key differentiator.

Li has previously acknowledged Tesla's efficiency in vehicle production and direct sales but cautioned that if Tesla doesn't rapidly enhance its products and services, it could face challenges in the market. A few months ago, Li also questioned why Chinese companies faced obstacles in marketing their high-tech vehicles in the U.S., despite Tesla's favorable reception in China. He dismissed the notion that the success of Chinese startups was solely driven by patriotism, asserting that Chinese consumers, like their global counterparts, prioritize quality.

Li concluded with a warning that foreign brands unable to keep up with Chinese innovation may find themselves in a "dangerous situation."

Photo courtesy: Nio

FutureCar Staff