Nio’s entry-level brand, Firefly, and its first EV, also called Firefly, had its public debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. During the press conference, Nio’s CEO William Li announced that Firefly will enter 16 markets across 5 continents this year.

Nio previously entered new markets using the same model it employs in China: direct sales. Like this, Nio entered four EU countries: Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Nio also sells in Norway and the United Arab Emirates.

The company had previously set an ambition to expand to “25 markets by 2025.” This might still be possible thanks to Firefly and a change of expansion strategy.

William Li announced that Nio will use third-party dealers and partners in addition to existing sales channels when expanding Firefly sales. “As Firefly flies around the world, we will try a more efficient and flexible hybrid channel, seek partners in local markets, and use their existing resources,” Li said.

This will most likely mean that in countries where it already has a direct sales channel, the company will keep using this model and the new markets will be entered mostly through partners and their party dealers.

The new countries where Firefly will expand include, among others, the Netherlands, Norway, Costa Rica, Nepal, Singapore, Denmark, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland, Uruguay, Colombia and New Zealand. 　　

Firefly was launched on April 19, and deliveries are scheduled to begin on April 29 in China. In Europe, the brand will launch between June and August. The right-hand drive version for the UK and Asian markets is expected to be ready by October.

The Firefly EV is a compact hatchback primarily designed for the European market. It supports battery swap. However, it can’t swap batteries currently as there are no compatible swap stations. The container swap stations dedicated to Firefly were scrapped, and the fifth-generation swap station, which is expected to support the Nio brand, Onvo, and Firefly, will launch next year with limited availability.

Unlike Onvo, which had its separate booth at the Shanghai Auto Show, Firefly was presented at the main Nio booth. It will also share the same sales network as Nio, making Firefly available for viewing and purchase in Nio Houses.