Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio and its new mass-market sub-brand Firefly will begin sales in Portugal in the fourth quarter of 2025, local distributor JAP Group said on Tuesday.
“The national debut is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025 and will feature a multi-brand offering that includes Nio — a global benchmark in the premium segment — and the new Firefly brand, aimed at an urban and digital audience,” JAP Group said in a statement.
Nio had announced earlier this Tuesday that it would enter the Portuguese market later this year through a distribution partnership with JAP Group but had not disclosed a specific launch date, saying only that deliveries would start “in 2025.”
In Portugal, Nio plans to offer the EL6 entry-level SUV, the larger EL8 flagship SUV, the ET5 sedan and its station wagon variant, the ET5 Touring, alongside Firefly’s first model.
Founded in 1904, JAP Group represents major automotive brands in Portugal, including BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Renault, Nissan and Hyundai.
It already distributes other Chinese automakers such as Foton and the state-owned GAC.
“Nio represents the future of premium mobility and we are proud to lead its entry into Portugal,” said Jan Oehmicke, Board Member of JAP Group.
“By combining technological innovation, design, and a unique digital experience, this partnership reflects our commitment to sustainability and leadership in the new era of electric mobility,” he added.
Nio, which was first spotted testing vehicles in Portugal in July 2022, is expanding its European footprint amid slow local sales.
Over the next 18 months, the company plans to launch in Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria, adding to its planned presence in Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic.
In May, the EV maker delivered 23,231 vehicles globally but registered just 58 units across its five European markets, accounting for only 0.25% of its total monthly deliveries.
Firefly, which targets urban buyers with a starting price of about €30,000, is key to Nio’s push for broader market coverage and higher volumes in Europe, where its average selling price remains above €80,000.
Orders for Firefly opened in the Netherlands in April at €29,900 ($33,970) and in Norway from NOK 279,900 ($26,570).
CEO William Li has said Firefly will be sold in 16 countries across five continents by year-end.
