- Nio Inc's weekly orders reached a 2026 high in early March, largely driven by a series of new promotional measures, according to Deutsche Bank.
- The new promotions for the ES8 were likely prompted by a significant reduction in customer wait times.
Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO, HKG: 9866) saw a significant rebound in order volume in early March, according to the latest research note by Deutsche Bank.
To counter recently softening market demand, Nio has rolled out a series of new promotional campaigns for its main brand and the Onvo sub-brand.
These measures boosted Nio Inc's weekly new orders to around 3,500 units in early March, marking the company's highest single-week order level so far in 2026, Deutsche Bank analyst Wang Bin's team said in a Wednesday note citing dealer channel checks.
The new promotions for the ES8 full-size SUV (sport utility vehicle) were likely prompted by a sharp reduction in customer wait times, Deutsche Bank noted.
Wait times for the model dropped from 13 to 14 weeks in February to 4 to 5 weeks in March, indicating a rapidly shrinking order backlog, the team said.
Nio announced the new incentives on March 1, covering a new auto financing program, cash subsidies for car purchases, and retroactive rewards for recent buyers.
Customers buying cars in March can enjoy low-interest loans for up to 7 years and receive a cash subsidy of 10,000 yuan ($1,450) for the vehicle purchase tax.
Additionally, customers who purchased an ES8 in January or February 2026 will receive 100,000 Nio points, which is equivalent to 10,000 yuan.
Nio's Onvo brand simultaneously launched similar promotional policies to further expand its market share.
Buyers of the Onvo L90 and L60 models can receive a cash subsidy equivalent to 5% of the vehicle purchase tax, along with the same 7-year low-interest loan.
While boosting short-term sales, Nio is preparing to launch its new flagship SUV model, the ES9, in the second quarter of 2026.
Positioned in the premium luxury market, the new vehicle will feature multiple advanced technologies and is expected to further consolidate Nio's competitive standing in the high-end segment, Deutsche Bank said.
The ES9 will incorporate advanced technologies from the ET9 executive sedan, such as the SkyRide chassis system, aiming to compete with models like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X7, Wang's team noted.
Furthermore, the Onvo brand will launch three new products this year, including the L80.
Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li said in a live video broadcast yesterday that the company will hold a technology launch event for the ES9 on April 9.
The SUV will officially go on sale in late May, with deliveries starting on June 1, Nio management previously said.
Onvo is expected to release full product details for the L80 in late April, and will announce pricing and begin deliveries in mid-May to mark the brand's second anniversary.
($1 = 6.9128 yuan)
