Problems with establishing European dealer sales and servicing networks forces battery swap-out pioneer Nio to delay its entry-level A-segment Firefly model.
The automaker had previously promised to bring the rival to Mercedes-Benz’s Smart and BMW’s Mini to Europe in the first half of 2025 but now looks to the third quarter as its earliest entry, Reuters reports.
The company’s CEO, William Li, makes the announcement ahead of the Shanghai Motor Show and tells reporters that Nio is seeking more local partners to expand in Europe and will confirm those that have come on board at the show this week.
Nio has also developed a right-hand drive version of Firefly that will be ready to enter the U.K. and Japan by October.
It will also sign a contract to sell cars into Singapore this week and eventually expects the Firefly brand to be sold in 20 countries and regions outside China.
