Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio (NIO) is accelerating its global ambitions. The company disclosed a major expansion of its international presence, with plans to enter Singapore, Uzbekistan, and Costa Rica in 2025 and 2026. This move involves bringing its smart and premium EVs to new markets through strategic deals with local companies. Following the news, NIO stock was trading higher on Monday.
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NIO Taps Local Partners to Expand
Under this new approach, Nio will collaborate with Wearnes Automotive, a luxury car retailer in the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership, set to begin in 2026, will introduce the Firefly, Nio’s small, high-end EV, marking the company’s first-ever right-hand drive model.
For its debut in America, Nio is partnering with Horizontes Cielo Azul Movilidad, the largest EV distributor in the country. This distributor has a strong track record of helping Chinese automotive brands achieve market leadership in Costa Rica.
Further, Nio’s first step into the Central Asian market will be a deal with Abu Sahiy Motors, a local group with a wide presence in logistics, real estate, and automotive sales.
The initial offerings in these new markets will feature models from the Nio, ONVO, and Firefly brands.
Move Follows European Expansion
This latest expansion announcement follows Nio’s efforts to grow in Europe due to growing competition in the EV market. By the end of 2026, the company will enter Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Romania with both NIO and Firefly brand vehicles.
It also announced expansion into Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, and a fresh start in Denmark using a new distribution model.
Moreover, NIO is expanding into Greece, starting with a pop-up store in Athens. A full launch is coming later this year with partner Motodynamics Group. The same deal covers Cyprus and Bulgaria, where NIO and Firefly cars will launch early next year. Available models will include the EL6, EL8, ET5, ET5 Touring, and a compact EV from the Firefly brand.
Is Nio a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Overall, Wall Street has a Hold consensus rating on NIO stock, based on three Buys, seven Holds, and one Sell assigned in the last three months. The average NIO stock price target of $4.62 implies 4.84% downside potential from current levels.
