【AutoSmart News】As a high-end emerging brand, NIO has maintained a solid performance in the market this year, and anticipation for its second brand, Alps (codename, not the official brand name), has been growing. AutoSmart has learned that during a recent earnings call, NIO's CEO, Li Bin, gave a comprehensive spoiler about the Alps brand, stating that with a production of ten thousand vehicles per month, the new car could achieve a cost 10% lower than that of the Tesla Model Y.
Li Bin
On the subject of costs and pricing, Li Bin pointed out that by leveraging China's supply chain advantages combined with cost reduction in R&D, a relatively healthy factory wouldn't need huge volumes to be viable—producing 10,000 units a month would suffice. He believes that the Alps' first vehicle could achieve a global combined cost that is 10% lower than Tesla's Model Y. Furthermore, he emphasized that the Alps brand prioritizes volume over profit margins.
Alps' First Spy Shots Unveiled
Reports indicate that Alps will utilize the fourth-generation interchangeable charging stations compatible with various brands, with deployment starting in April. It is noted that a significant portion of the 1,000 charging stations NIO plans to construct this year will be available for sharing.
According to Li Bin, Alps brand is focusing on the home market and will introduce products based on the size of the household. The second model is an SUV designed for larger families, set to hit the market next year (only one new car is planned for next year). The third model is already in development.
Intelligence from the automotive sector reveals that NIO plans to unveil the Alps brand in Q2 this year, release the first product in Q3, and achieve mass deliveries in Q4. Li Bin stated that Alps will have standalone stores and will not establish NIO House, but will share NIO's after-sales services. The goal for this year is to establish a sales network of no less than 200 outlets, with site selection based on the target user demographic. He also disclosed that, leveraging NIO's system, Alps has already recruited some sales personnel. The company's challenge lies not in personnel recruitment and training but rather in efficiency.
