NIO Inc. NIO plans to enter Singapore, Uzbekistan and Costa Rica in 2025 and 2026 to expand its global footprint. In Singapore, NIO will collaborate with Wearnes Automotive, a major luxury vehicle retailer in the Asia-Pacific. In 2026, the Chinese EV maker will launch the Firefly, its small and smart high-end EV, in Singapore. This will mark the launch of NIO’s first right-hand drive compact premium EV.
In Costa Rica, the company will team up with Horizontes Cielo Azul Movilidad, the nation’s largest EV distributor with a strong history of advancing Chinese brands to market leadership. This marks NIO’s first foray into the Americas.
In Uzbekistan, NIO is joining forces with Abu Sahiy Motors, a diversified local group with deep roots in logistics, real estate and auto sales and services. The partnership represents NIO’s entry into the Central Asian automotive market. The initial rollouts in these markets will feature models from the NIO, ONVO, and Firefly brands.
Per NIO’s Executive Chris Chen, the company is partnering with established local players who bring strong networks and regional expertise to accelerate the company’s global expansion and introduce its smart EVs more effectively.
In May 2021, NIO entered Europe, making its first overseas entry, with the same direct-to-consumer sales model it employs in China. However, starting last year, the company transitioned to a lighter asset approach, working through local distributors instead. In 2025, it already unveiled multiple distribution partnerships across various countries. NIO carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present.
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