Nio Sales Data, Trends & Analysis for the Chinese Automotive Market
Nio started sales of its all-electric SUVs in 2018, and is one of the most promising EV startups in China at the moment. The brand started sales before having its own production facility, as the ES8 is produced in factories of JAC. A second model called ES6 was launched in 2019. Sales figures for the Nio ES6, ES8 and any other car model produced and sold in China since the early 2000’s. Car sales statistics from China only include domestic production and exclude imported models.
Nio China Sales Figures & Recent Highlights
NIO is a prominent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer that has garnered significant attention both within China and internationally. Established in 2014 by William Li (Li Bin), the company has positioned itself as a premium EV brand. NIO was founded as NextEV in 2014. Initially, the company gained attention for its EP9 supercar under the NIO brand, which set several lap records for electric vehicles.
NIO’s main focus is on electric SUVs and sedans. The ES8, a 7-seater high-performance electric SUV, was its first mass-market vehicle. Following the ES8, NIO launched the ES6, a smaller 5-seater SUV, and later the EC6, a coupe-style SUV. In 2021, NIO unveiled the ET7, a premium electric sedan, marking the company’s foray into the sedan market. One of NIO’s unique selling points is its Battery as a Service (BaaS) model. This allows customers to purchase a NIO vehicle without the battery, effectively reducing the upfront cost of the car. Owners can then lease the battery and even swap it at numerous battery-swap stations NIO has set up across China. This not only addresses range anxiety but also concerns about battery degradation over time. The company has also been at the forefront of pushing battery technology, revealing batteries with higher energy density and longer ranges.
NIO has made substantial investments in developing autonomous driving technologies. The company’s vehicles come equipped with an array of sensors and cameras to facilitate advanced driver assistance. NIO’s in-car AI system, NOMI, is another distinguishing feature, offering a range of functionalities and personalization options to enhance the driving and ownership experience.
Despite its rapid growth and popularity, NIO faced significant financial challenges in its early years, particularly in 2019. However, with a combination of strategic investments (notably from the city of Hefei), capital raising, and a growing demand for its vehicles, NIO managed a turnaround and solidified its position in the EV market. While initially focused on the Chinese market, NIO has expressed ambitions for international expansion, eyeing markets like Europe.
Nio Annual Sales, Growth and Market Share in China
Below we have a table that shows total Nio sales volumes for the Chinese automotive market, broken out by year. This data captures all Nio vehicle sales for the entire Chinese automotive market.
| Year | Sales | YOY Change | Marketshare | Marketshare Change |
|---|
Nio China Annual Sales Units & Market Share Chart
Below is a visual representation of Nio China sales units over time. We have both the Nio sales units and the market share in the Chinese market. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
Nio China Growth Rate & Market Share Chart
Below is the annual growth rate for the NNio brand in China, shown against the Nio’s marketshare changes in China. This gives you a good look into how Nio has faired against the other brands in terms of absolute sales and effect on marketshare. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
The Best-Selling Nio Cars & SUVs in China
Nio cars are known for their luxurious design, advanced technology, and long range. The brand’s most popular models in China include the ES6, a five-seater electric SUV, and the ES8, a seven-seater electric SUV.
Sources: Manufacturers, ANDC, JATO Dynamics.
