Startup NIO launches used car services

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- NIO formally launched the used car service feature on November 4 as the high-profile Chinese startup determines to differentiate itself from peers.

(Photo source: NIO)

Consumers who buy NIO's pre-owned vehicles will enjoy installation of charging piles, battery swapping, car connectivity and nationwide charging services (up to 12 times per year) free of charge. Besides, users have the right to know the using history of the car they buy.

To ensure safety, a used car available for sales must experience multiple professional tests and inspections. The vehicles that were hit, flooded and burned are forbidden to go on sale, said NIO.

As of press time, two 7-seater ES8 Founder's Editions have been successfully bought at price of RMB380,000, versus the invoice price of RMB480,500 for the new vehicles, according to NIO's App.

The startup will reportedly cooperate with more used car brands to keep updating its service models and enrich users’ driving experience.

Currently, NIO only sells pre-owned vehicles to consumers, while the previously rumored “buying vehicles from original users” has not been offered yet.

This might be an effective way for the startup to further boost sales and consume inventories of demo vehicles. Moreover, it also offers an eclectic solution to those who have the shopping wish while are scared off by the comparatively high prices.

NIO delivered 2,526 vehicles in October, a jump of 25.1% from the strong delivery in September, despite the impact from the seven-day National Day holiday in the beginning of October, the Shanghai-based startup said. This was also the best monthly deliveries NIO had achieved so far this year. The latest launch of used car services embodies the company's ambition to enhance sales and break even as early as possible by consolidating a unique brand image with diversified services.