Chinese EV startup Nio bets on car connectivity with new smartphone

Device allows drivers to control door locks and display searched routes

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Nio CEO William Li unveils the company's first smartphone at a press conference. (Photo by Tomoko Wakasugi)

TOMOKO WAKASUGI, Nikkei staff writer

SHANGHAI -- Chinese electric vehicle startup Nio unveiled its first-ever smartphone on Thursday, hoping to tap demand from drivers looking for smoother integration with car functions like navigation, air conditioning and door locks.

"Nio drivers are looking for a smartphone that connects seamlessly with their cars. We developed a phone that makes your car easier to use," said CEO William Li at a Shanghai press conference for the release of the Nio Phone.

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