Nio Eyeing Expansion to Singapore, Uzbekistan, and Costa Rica by 2025 and 2026
Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO), a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is expanding its global presence by entering Singapore, Uzbekistan, and Costa Rica in 2025 and 2026. The company is partnering with established local distributors to provide a premium experience and support Nio's battery swapping technology where possible.
Singapore: Debut of Nio's First Right-Hand Drive Model
Nio will enter Singapore in early 2026 in partnership with Wearnes Automotive, a well-established automotive retailer founded in 1906. The launch model will be the Firefly EV, marking Nio's debut in Southeast Asia. Retail operations are planned to start in the first quarter of 2026. At present, only the Firefly EV is confirmed for Singapore, with no indication yet of other models such as the ET5 or EL6 being offered there.
Uzbekistan: Broader Range of Models
Nio plans to enter Uzbekistan later in 2025 with Abu Sahiy Motors as the local distributor. The models confirmed for this Central Asian market include the Onvo L60, ET5, ET5 Touring, EL6, and EL8. Notably, the Firefly EV will not be launched in Uzbekistan.
Costa Rica: First Market in the Americas
Entry into Costa Rica is planned for 2026 with Horizontes Cielo Azul Movilidad as the distributor, marking Nio’s first market in the Americas. Costa Rica will have a five-model lineup including the Firefly EV, Onvo L60, ET5 Touring, EL6, and EL8.
European Expansion
Nio has also been expanding into more European countries, shifting to a light asset strategy relying on distributors. Since 2021, Nio has launched the ES8, ES7, ES6, ET7, ET5, and ET5T in Europe, although new countries have not been specified. On October 1, 2021, Nio opened its first showroom in Europe, Nio House, in Norway, marking its first overseas market.
Notable Partnerships
Nio is partnering with experienced companies that have deep local expertise and extensive dealer networks to accelerate its entry into diversified global markets. In Singapore, Nio will partner with Wearnes Automotive, a reputable automotive retailer. In Uzbekistan, Nio will partner with Abu Sahiy Motors, marking its first entry into the Central Asian automotive market. In Costa Rica, Nio will partner with Horizontes Cielo Azul Movilidad, the country's largest EV distributor.
Recent Developments
Firefly made its first vehicle deliveries in Norway and the Netherlands on August 14. The L60 mid-size SUV from the Onvo sub-brand will soon be available in overseas markets. The Nio main brand will debut its third-generation ES8 SUV in China on August 21.
The L60, Onvo's second model, achieved the same top score as the Firefly and Huawei-backed Aito M9 in the latest C-IASI (China Insurance Automotive Safety Index) evaluation. These developments underscore Nio's commitment to delivering safe and high-quality EVs to its customers worldwide.
[1] Nio announces partnership with Wearnes Automotive for Singapore entry [2] Nio to enter Costa Rica with Horizontes Cielo Azul Movilidad as distributor [3] Nio partners with Abu Sahiy Motors for Uzbekistan entry [4] Nio's Singapore, Uzbekistan, and Costa Rica launch plans detailed
