During a private media briefing held on March 11, NIO Inc. founder, Chairman, and CEO Li Bin, along with President and Co-Founder Qin Lihong, engaged in discussions with reporters.

Earlier, alongside the release of its Q4 2025 financial results, NIO announced that its board of directors had approved a 2026 equity incentive plan. This plan grants Li Bin approximately 248 million restricted shares of the company. The shares are divided into ten equal batches, with vesting conditions tied to specific performance targets related to the company's market capitalization and net profit. The plan became effective on March 6, 2026, and has a term of twelve years.

Li Bin stated that this equity incentive plan is undoubtedly a form of motivation for him. He expressed gratitude for the board's recognition and incentive, noting that the shares have not yet been vested and emphasizing the need to work diligently and seize the day.

Qin Lihong added that Li Bin recused himself from the discussions and voting when the board approved the CEO equity incentive plan. He mentioned that the incentive plan had been discussed for some time, but its announcement was delayed until the company achieved quarterly profitability to avoid potential misunderstandings. Qin clarified that the goal of the plan is not merely about allocating shares to management but serves as an incentive and a driving force. The aim is to create a comprehensive, long-term plan beneficial for all phases of the company's development. He acknowledged that setting the company's market capitalization as a target is a challenging objective. This incentive plan aligns with the company's long-term growth, corporate interests, and user interests.