Nio announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Deutsche Post’s logistics division DHL to handle aftermarket services for its vehicles across Europe.
The company will manage storage, distribution, and customs clearance of parts and accessories for customers of both the Nio and Firefly brands across Northwestern Europe.
The services will be held at DHL’s Automotive Campus located in Holtum, in Southern Netherlands — and near the border with both Belgium and Germany.
“Strategically located near major European transport corridors,” the facility will provide Nio with “fast delivery times and scalable solutions,” a joint statement read.
The Chinese EV maker is currently expanding across Europe, partnering with local distributors to increase demand for its premium lineup and for the more affordable Firefly sub-brand.
Onvo, the second brand of the Nio Group, is planned to launch in Europe next year.
DHL x Chinese Automakers
Nio is not the first Chinese automaker to partner with DHL in Europe.
In May 2024, DHL Suppply Chain announced a three-year warehousing contract with Chery brands Omoda and Jaecoo, as the group expanded its presence in the UK.
The German logistics company stores parts and components for the vehicles, including batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Additionally, DHL supports aftermarket services for both companies through its warehousing capabilities — which includes its ‘EV Center of Excellence’ in Rugby.
The company operates a global network of these hubs, which “support electrification and bundle solutions for the entire electric vehicle supply chain.”
In Europe, besides the UK, it includes locations in Germany, France, Italy, and Slovakia.
It has also tested BYD vehicles to include in its European fleet, as part of its goal to “find the best and most sustainable solution for each specific transportation need, no matter what technology is used.”
Last year, the company tested the fully electric BYD ETM6 truck in Cologne, Germany.
A year before, DHL began testing the Tesla Semi in the United States, with a pilot in Livermore, California, where the truck covered more than 3,000 miles of regular routes.
The company announced a few months ago that it is adding more Semis to its electric truck fleet later this year.
Nio in Europe
Nio first entered Europe in 2021, through Norway, with expansion to the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark following a year later — opening direct-to-consumer showrooms in these markets.
In the past few months, the company doubled its market presence in Europe, debuting both the Nio and Firefly brands in Austria, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, and Hungary.
There, it partnered with dealerships to reduce fixed costs and increase awareness of its models.
The company plans to enter the Czech Republic, Romania, Luxembourg, and Poland this year.
The recent appearance of Poland’s country profile in the International Nio App, first spotted earlier this month by EV, indicates the upcoming expansion into the Polish market.
Nio sold 41 vehicles across eight of its ten European markets last month, a 35.9% plunge from the same period a year ago, despite the additional markets and the new brand.
In Germany, Europe’s largest auto market, Nio reached a 3 year-low with just one vehicle registered in January, while Swedish sales amounted to zero.
Greek and Hungarian vehicle registration data is not yet available.
