Electric Cars

China's ascent as a global leader in electric vehicle production is largely attributable to its cutting-edge, highly automated manufacturing capabilities. This technological prowess has captivated the public, leading to an unprecedented demand for factory tours offered by leading automakers. To gain entry into these sought-after industrial spectacles, prospective visitors must possess both perseverance and a stroke of luck.

Exclusive Glimpse into Xiaomi's Advanced Production Facilities

As reported by a recent fascinating investigation by *Wired*, Xiaomi, the innovative manufacturer behind the sleek SU7 electric sedan and the versatile YU7 crossover, initiated public factory tours in January. The overwhelming popularity of these tours necessitated the rapid implementation of a lottery system for ticket distribution. One fortunate visitor, who gained access to the factory in February, shared with *Wired* that they were among merely 60 individuals selected from a pool exceeding 7,000 applicants for that month's tours. Looking ahead to July, Xiaomi aims to significantly expand access, with plans for daily tours on weekdays and six additional tours over weekends, collectively accommodating over 1,100 visitors. However, the initial day of availability alone saw more than 27,000 applications, indicating a persistent and fervent public appetite for this unique experience.

In a parallel initiative, Nio facilitates factory visits through the purchase of 1,000 'Nio points' via its dedicated application, equating to approximately $14. Furthermore, frequent engagement with the app can also yield complimentary points, theoretically allowing some individuals to secure a tour at no financial cost. Last year, Nio successfully hosted an impressive 130,000 factory visitors.

During both the Xiaomi and Nio factory excursions, visitors are consistently struck by the profound level of automation prevalent within the facilities. The human workforce appears minimal in comparison to the vast array of robotic machinery. Nio has revealed that certain production stages are entirely automated, while Xiaomi proudly states that 91% of its comprehensive production process is autonomously managed. A notable observation from a Xiaomi tour participant highlighted that even the shuttle transporting visitors must defer to the automated production robots, a testament to the pervasive integration of robotics. These tours serve as a strategic avenue for these prominent brands to not only engage with potential customers but also to broadly promote their technological advancements to the general populace. Indeed, *Wired* aptly describes securing a spot on these factory tours as acquiring the 'hottest ticket in Beijing.'

This surging interest in factory tours of highly automated electric vehicle production lines reflects a significant cultural shift. It underscores a growing public fascination with the intricate processes and advanced robotics that underpin modern manufacturing. From a broader perspective, it highlights China's strategic investment in and successful implementation of intelligent manufacturing, positioning the nation at the forefront of the global EV revolution. The transparency offered by these tours, despite their exclusivity, fosters a sense of engagement and trust between manufacturers and consumers, transforming industrial sites into engaging showcases of technological progress and national pride.