Nio launches used car service ‘Nio Certified’
Nio is launching a used car service called ‘Nio Certified’ and has set up a nationwide business network for it, offering the buying and selling of vehicles and services such as inspections and valuations. Within five years, Nio plans to invest 3 billion yuan (380 million euros) in the service.
The electric car maker says it will sell used cars at its service outlets at “highly competitive, non-negotiable prices.” The vehicles will undergo 286 tests beforehand and then be offered with transparent vehicle information.
“With the battery exchange model, an exchange mechanism for healthy batteries is ensured to allay users’ concerns about battery wear,” writes Gasgoo, citing information from Nio. Whether “exchange mechanism for healthy batteries” means a new battery at all times remains unclear, but it stands to reason.
As of the turn of the year, Nio has put a good 75,600 vehicles of its three series models ES8, ES6 and EC6 on the road. And the trend continues to move upwards. In December 2020, according to the electric carmaker, 40 per cent of new buyers had already decided to take advantage of the company’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) offer, meaning the battery is available for rent instead of buying it. Both business models – BaaS and ‘Nio Certified’ – are complementary, as Nio could retain control of the battery at any point in time.
In addition to sales, the new used car service will serve as a point of contact for buyers of Nio vehicles on issues such as guaranteed 7-day returns, extended warranties, home charging stations, roadside assistance, Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and, indeed, Battery-as-a-Service. Gasgoo’s report does not say how many branches are planned.
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