Shanghai (ZXZC)- Recently, there was a rumor shown in an image online saying that NIO would share its battery swapping network with Mercedes-Benz's next-generation all-electric vehicles.

Responding to this rumor, NIO's legal department made it clear via its official account, stating that "the image in question is fabricated. Please refrain from spreading rumors." Simultaneously, Ma Lin, NIO's senior director of corporate communications, also forwarded this message. Up until press time, the rumor has been taken down.

NIO's battery swap station; photo credit: NIO

In an interesting turn of events, a picture of Li Bin, NIO's founder, CEO, and Chairman, meeting with Ola Källenius, the Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, surfaced online last month. This occurrence has stirred speculations about a possible collaboration between NIO and Mercedes-Benz.

NIO announced earlier this week a price adjustment for its entire range of new cars, as well as a modification to the benefits package for first-time car owners.

The starting price for all models has been reduced by 30,000 yuan. After the price reduction, the current prices by specific models are shown as follows:

The benefits for new car owners have been adjusted to include: a six-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty for the whole car, with the power battery, electric motor, and electric control units covered for ten years with unlimited mileage; six years of free internet access; and lifetime free roadside assistance. From June 12 onwards, free battery swapping will no longer be a basic benefit. Instead, users can opt for a pay-per-swap approach, and NIO will be rolling out flexible charging packages.