Peter Smith
Chinese EV maker NIO Inc. (NIO) saw a slight bump in its share price Friday after revealing plans to refresh several key models in its growing lineup.
NIO Set to Launch Refreshed Models Across Chinese Showrooms
Word on the street is that NIO is kicking off pre-orders this Saturday, May 10, for spruced-up versions of its popular ES6 SUV, EC6 coupe SUV, and both the ET5 and ET5 Touring sedans. According to CnEV Post, the company's also rolling out showroom displays of the refreshed ES6 and EC6 models across China starting the same day, giving potential buyers a chance to get up close and personal with the updated rides.
This refresh comes at a crucial time for NIO as it tries to carve out a bigger slice of China's cutthroat EV market. The timing feels strategic – keep the lineup fresh, keep the customers interested, and hopefully keep those sales numbers climbing.
NIO Delivers Eye-Catching April Numbers
The timing of NIO's refresh announcement isn't random – it follows some pretty impressive delivery figures for April. The company moved 23,900 vehicles last month, which represents a hefty 53% jump compared to the same time last year. That's no small feat in today's competitive landscape.
Digging into those numbers shows how NIO's multi-brand approach is playing out. The flagship NIO brand accounted for 19,269 deliveries, while the family-friendly Onvo line contributed 4,400 units. The rest came from early orders for Firefly, NIO's freshly launched premium sub-brand that just hit the market in late April.
NIO's Onvo Brand Turns Heads with Massive L90 SUV
Last month's Shanghai Auto Show saw NIO's Onvo division steal some spotlight with its massive new L90 SUV. This behemoth is clearly aimed at families and folks who prioritize comfort, with dimensions that would make some American SUVs blush.
We're talking serious size here – over 5.1 meters long with a wheelbase exceeding 3.1 meters. That puts it firmly in the "go big or go home" category, offering the kind of space that big families and comfort-seekers dream about.
NIO Hits Major Milestone Despite Stock Struggles
NIO's April numbers contribute to a pretty significant milestone – as of April 30, 2025, they've delivered a total of 737,558 vehicles. That's no small achievement and speaks to the company's steady growth since they started.
But here's the rub – despite these operational wins, NIO's stock has taken a beating, dropping more than 25% over the past year. It's a classic case of solid performance on the ground not translating to Wall Street excitement. Investors seem more focused on the broader challenges facing Chinese EV makers and the general economic headwinds in China.
For those still bullish on NIO's prospects, one way to get skin in the game is through the Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ), which counts NIO among its holdings.
Market Gives NIO a Lukewarm Nod
Friday's trading saw a modest market response to NIO's announcements, with shares ticking up 0.88% to $4.005. Not exactly popping champagne territory, but hey, green is green.
This small gain comes against a pretty rough backdrop for NIO shareholders. That 25% slide over the past year reflects some serious investor jitters about competition and profitability in China's increasingly crowded EV playground. That said, NIO's strategy of targeting multiple market segments with different brands could eventually pay off.
NIO's portfolio approach – spanning from premium vehicles under the flagship brand to family-focused options with Onvo and the new Firefly line – shows they're not putting all their eggs in one basket. It's a play that could position them for longer-term success, even if the stock price isn't showing it just yet.
As NIO continues expanding its lineup and refreshing existing models, the million-dollar question remains: will these solid operational moves finally translate into some serious stock momentum in the months ahead? For now, investors are watching with cautious optimism.
Peter Smith
