SHANGHAI: NIO is set to unveil its first ever mass market electric SUV codenamed ES8 at the April 21-28 Shanghai auto show.
According to specialist websites, the all-electric vehicle will have a range of more than 300km.
It will also feature a spacious interior that can accommodate seven passengers. More interestingly, it will be equipped with autonomous driving technologies, however precise details on this capability have yet to be announced.
It should be noted that the new SUV is not due to be launched in Asia before 2018, and not before 2020 on the US market.
NIO's strategy is reminiscent of the one adopted by US manufacturer Faraday Future, which followed up the unveiling of its spectacular FFZERO1 concept, a 1,000hp single-seater with a top speed of 320kph, with the Las Vegas CES presentation of its first connected and customisable electric crossover.
The brand is also involved in the FIA Formula E Championship (all-electric single-seaters) through its NextEV NIO stable.
NIO is the international name (Weilai in Chinese) for the Chinese start-up NextEV's new automobile brand.
