NIO Hosts “The Art of Innovation” in Munich, Showcases ET9 with Global Partners

NIO currently operates 13 R&D, design, and manufacturing centers worldwide, supported by a team of more than 11,000 engineers and researchers.

On September 9, NIO Inc. teamed up with ClearMotion to host “The Art of Innovation – ET9 Partner Media Days” during IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, highlighting its vision of innovation in smart electric vehicles and the results of its global collaborations.

The two-day program took place at the NIO Hub Munich and centered on innovation and the future of mobility. Alongside the technical highlights of NIO’s flagship ET9, the agenda included keynote speeches, workshops, and live demonstrations.

A panel discussion taking place in a modern event space, featuring several speakers seated on a stage, with a black NIO ET9 vehicle displayed in the foreground and a large screen showing the session title about collaboration in premium electric vehicles. — The Art of Innovation – ET9 Partner Media Days

ClearMotion, as co-organizer, presented its next-generation fully active predictive suspension system.

NIO emphasized that it regards innovation as a system, with co-creation among global partners and its user community at the core. The company currently operates 13 R&D, design, and manufacturing centers worldwide, supported by a team of more than 11,000 engineers and researchers.

This collaborative approach has enabled the ET9 to integrate a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including ClearMotion’s predictive fully active suspension, ZF Friedrichshafen’s steer-by-wire system, BASF’s sustainable coatings, and Seyond’s LiDAR solutions.

ClearMotion CEO Christian Steinmann noted that the partnership with NIO marks a breakthrough for suspension technology in mass production.

A middle-aged man in a black jacket and light blue shirt holds a yellow marker while standing in an indoor setting with digital displays in the background. — ClearMotion CEO Christian Steinmann

The fully active system, he said, can effectively neutralize road shocks and vibrations, significantly enhancing ride comfort and driving experience in the ET9.

Speakers at the keynote and panel discussions included NIO Europe Vice President Hui Zhang, NIO Principal Chief Engineer Danilo Teobaldi, ClearMotion CEO Steinmann, BASF Coatings Global Design Head Mark Gutjahr, and Stefan Bratzel, Director of the Center of Automotive Management in Germany.

A group of five individuals, dressed in a mix of professional and casual outfits, stand together in an indoor setting with large windows. They are positioned next to a sleek, modern electric vehicle with a stylish design, showcasing a blend of technology and innovation. — VP of NIO Europe Hui Zhang and other partners

In a panel titled “Are we entering a new era of collaboration in the auto industry?”, participants agreed that cross-sector cooperation is becoming a decisive force in advancing premium mobility.

Although the ET9 is currently sold only in China, NIO used the Munich event to signal its R&D strategy and collaboration model to the broader industry: advancing the evolution of future mobility through a partner ecosystem and user-driven co-creation.