NIO unveils its B-segment electric sedan
- NIO is a very young Chinese carmaker as it was created in 2014, but already has a wide range of cars, all being fully electric. Indeed, NIO has two sedans (ET5, ET7) and five SUVs (EC6, ES6, EC7, ES7, ES8). These models are meeting some success in China, as NIO's production volume reached 195,000 units in the first 11 months of 2024, which augurs a volume of 210,000 units for the whole year, compared to 157,000 in 2023, 136,000 in 2022 and 93,000 in 2021.
- For its 10th anniversary, NIO presented a high segment model (the ET9 sedan) and an entry-level model (the Firefly sedan) that could be marketed in Europe.
- The case of the NIO Firefly is interesting as the Chinese B-segment cars are rather rare in China and Chinese carmakers do not offer this type of car in Europe. This vehicle was also developed in Europe (in Germany) for Europe, which is a first for a Chinese car. The rather classic design of the Firefly is indeed very different from the NIO models currently in the catalogue. It evokes a Honda E, a Fiat or an Opel.
- Its success in Europe will depend above all on its sale price. It could be between 25,000 and 30,000 euros, which would make it a direct rival of the Renault 5 E-Tech and the Fiat 500 e. It would also be less expensive than a Mini E or a Smart #1. The carmaker plans the arrival of the Firefly in Europe in the fall of 2025. Its mission would be to revive NIO sales there, which have stabilized at 2,500 units over the whole of 2024, compared to 2,371 in 2023 and 1,204 in 2022.