Nio still on track for UK launch after departure of boss

Nio has reaffirmed its commitment to launching in the UK, after its UK boss left the firm with no replacement lined up. 

Matt Galvin left the firm last month for rival Polestar, leaving the top job unoccupied and raising questions over the Chinese EV brand’s long-mooted plans for a UK entry. 

Galvin was also Nio's head of European sales, leading operations in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. 

Marius Hayler, boss of Nio's German operations, has also joined Polestar, casting more uncertainty on the brand's plans for its wider European business – particularly in light of the heavy tariffs that the EU is set to apply to imported Chinese EVs from next month. 

However, Nio has told Autocar that it has no plans to exit the European market and remains on track for expansion into the UK. 

In a statement sent to us, it said it "is here to stay and remains committed to Europe and its expansion within the market".

It added: "In the UK, Nio is continuing its preparations for entry into the market, with the date and models yet to be confirmed.

"We thank Matt Galvin for his support as managing director within the market and as head of European sales across the wider team, and wish him luck in his new role.

"We will share more information on the UK date and models when available.

"Since Nio came to Europe in 2022, it has launched six different models and established a game-changing Power Swap Station network. We will continue to offer our evolving range of smart EVs, servicing, and warranty support, alongside our innovative charging and swapping solutions.

"Nio remains committed to supporting users across Europe now and in the future."

Galvin had been at Nio for two years, having previously spent six years as commercial director at Volvo UK. Before that, he headed up used car operations for Mercedes-Benz and previously worked in the remarketing division at Renault. 

He was charged with laying the framework for Nio to launch in the UK, following its arrival in those other European markets, in line with the company’s plan to sell cars in more than 25 countries by 2026.

Last year, Nio’s European boss Hui Zhang suggested launching in the UK by 2025 was a priority, but Galvin had earlier offered a more cautious outlook: “We’re extremely keen to launch, but we want to make sure we only launch when we’re ready and we have the cars, partners that can service the cars and the ability to offer a great community experience.