EV maker Firefly announced a partnership on Tuesday with location platform Here Technologies to improve navigation and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in its vehicles as it prepares to arrive in over 15 European markets before the end of 2026.
The collaboration between Nio’s sub-brand and Here will allow the integration of the company’s global map data, real-time traffic insights, and Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) features to meet EU regulatory requirements.
Firefly will also use Here’s speed limit data and location services through its partner Telenav to improve the digital cockpit and EV-specific navigation.
Chris Chen, Nio’s Vice President of Global Business Development, called Here “a trusted partner” offering “automotive-grade location technology required to meet international safety and regulatory standards.”
Both Nio and Firefly brands are expanding across Europe in parallel.
In markets including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Denmark, five models from the two brands will be introduced: the Nio EL6 (ES6 in China), EL8 (ES8), ET5, ET5 Touring (ET5T), and Firefly.
Here’s customers include Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover.
Recent partnerships include Renault’s Dacia brand and ECARX, with which Here is co-developing next-generation navigation systems for the Geely Holding Group brands Lotus, Lynk & Co, Smart, but also for the Chinese carmaker Hongqi.
Developed in Munich and launched in December, Firefly is Nio’s most affordable model, targeting city-focused EV buyers and rivals such as MINI and Smart.
Media test drives began last wek and customer test drives started on Monday in the Netherlands, with pricing from €29,900. Norway will follow later this summer, with deliveries expected in the autumn.
Unlike in the EU, Norwegian buyers benefit from zero tariffs on Chinese EVs, allowing Nio to offer a lower purchasing price.
In China, Firefly delivered 3,932 vehicles in June, up from 3,680 in May — its first full month of sales.
Insurance data released Tuesday showed 1,300 registrations in the first week of July, a record weekly tally and a 54.8% rise from the prior week, despite broader declines across the industry given the seasonal effects of a new quarter.
