Asia Tech Wire (Oct 31) -- Chinese electric car maker Nio Inc. has recently opened a secret recruitment drive in China to expand its Middle East team, according to a Chinese media report.

The recruitment involves positions up to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) level, and requires talent in areas such as vehicle manufacturing, batteries, motors, and electronic control systems, smart cockpit, and smart driving.

"The salary is basically the same as domestic level 5 employees, but the terms of reference are smaller than in China, and it is a specialized job," a source close to Nio's Middle East operations said.

The person added, "It is not easy to recruit the right talent as candidates need to work overseas for a long time."

Commenting on the above news, a source close to Nio said, "Nio has set up MENA team and UAE local team and is scaling them up."

In early October, Nio announced its entry into the MENA market, where it will establish a technology development center and develop new vehicles in the UAE.

Nio plans to join hands with strategic investor CYVN to set up the R&D center in Abu Dhabi.

And the two parties will also jointly develop a new model for the local market and roll out power swap stations across the UAE.

Thursday's report said the secret hiring was to recruit talent for that R&D center.