In a recent social media post, automotive blogger Wang Tiegang opened up about his history with fellow critic "38号美系性能控" and electric vehicle maker NIO Inc., reflecting on the reasons behind his former hostility toward the company. He recalled that his initial disdain stemmed from NIO's marketing approach, which he felt unfairly attacked gasoline-powered cars, despite his lifelong passion for internal combustion engines.
Wang explained that this emotional stance was later exploited by "38号美系性能控," who purchased a NIO ES8 and approached him with the claim that "Li Bin is bashing fuel cars again." Fueled by anger, Wang test-drove the ES8 and quickly published an article that drew millions of readers, prompting an urgent response from NIO's team.
Following the article's viral spread, NIO's PR director contacted Wang, but he was advised by "38号美系性能控" to ignore the outreach. Subsequently, NIO founder William Li took the initiative to add Wang on WeChat and request a face-to-face discussion. At the time, Wang declined the meeting, believing that "opinions remain opinions online, and meeting in person wouldn't yield anything new."
Months later, Wang discovered that "38号美系性能控" had secretly approached NIO to demand money, using Wang's influence as a bargaining chip. This revelation made him realize he had been "used as a pawn," and he admitted feeling deeply ashamed, which he cited as the reason for his reluctance to discuss NIO in the future.
In his post, Wang stated, "Whether NIO is doing well or poorly, whether it generates buzz or money, I won't talk about it anymore." He further declared, "If NIO ever considers me worthy of commercial cooperation, I will decline all such offers. I will never engage in any form of financial relationship with NIO, serving as a reminder of my youthful arrogance and self-righteousness."
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