(Yicai Global) Feb. 23 -- Chinese new energy vehicle maker Nio is entering the smartphone sector for the first time and has reportedly hired a key person from software and hardware developer Meitu to lead its efforts.

Yin Shuijun, former president of MeituKiss phone brand has joined Nio to oversee the carmaker's smartphone business, tech news outlet 36Kr reported yesterday, citing an informed source.

Nio has posted many job vacancies in Shenzhen regarding handsets, such as communication test engineers and wireless test engineers, on job sites.

The auto firm is in the initial market survey stage in its phone business, said a netizen who claimed to be a Nio community admin. The company is likely to manufacture the devices by itself instead of using foundries. The phones are expected to have many interactive functions with Nio vehicles, the person added.

The Shanghai-based car company has not talked about the new start openly. Nio has nothing to reveal for now and will let the public know if it has any further information, the firm responded to 36Kr.

Combining the sectors of cars and phones may create synergies. In January, automaker Geely Holding Group was reported to be planning to buy smartphone maker Meizu Technology. Moreover, handset giant Xiaomi announced last year it will enter the automobile industry.

Editor: Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi