The DENZA 400 -- BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd. (BDNT)

The DENZA 400 being quality checked. Daimler extends its portfolio of new energy vehicles with the introduction of the DENZA 400

• Introducing DENZA 400 from BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT), China’s first Sino-German joint venture focused on electric vehicles
• DENZA 400 vehicle with upgraded battery, electric motor and electronic control rolls off the production line, providing a range of up to 400 km
• Investments into production line and research and development of new energy vehicle products
• Daimler is committed to providing emission-free mobility solutions in China’s growing new energy vehicles market
• “Our joint venture BDNT unites the best of Sino-German cooperation in new energy vehicles. The DENZA 400 with upgraded range offers our Chinese customers a driving experience on a new level,” said Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Greater China 

Shenzhen/Stuttgart – Daimler extends its portfolio of new energy vehicles (NEV) with the introduction of the DENZA 400, the company’s “Made in China, for China” electric vehicle from Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT). The DENZA 400 offers upgraded battery, electric motor and electronic control providing customers an electric range of up to 400 km on a full charge. The vehicles are manufactured at BDNT’s independent production line at the BYD base in Shenzhen. The new flexible production line will increase capacity based on future market demand. Today’s start of production of another NEV underlines Daimler’s comprehensive approach in the area of electric mobility.

“Our joint venture BDNT unites the best of Sino-German cooperation in new energy vehicles. Already offering safe, reliable and convenient electric vehicles from and for China, the DENZA 400 with upgraded range offers our Chinese customers a further improved driving experience,” said Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Greater China. “We are confident about the future prospect of new energy vehicles in the country. Daimler will continue to invest in research and development of efficient and eco-friendly new energy vehicles, which represent a key pillar of our China growth strategy.”

In addition to electric vehicles, Daimler’s strategy in China to reduce emissions and promote environmental responsibility includes an increasing offering of plug-in hybrid vehicles. In 2013, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to offer petrol, diesel and hybrid models at the same time in China. The E 400 L Hybrid was the first locally-produced hybrid from a premium brand, while the smart electric drive (electric power consumption combined 15.1 kWh/100km/ CO2 emissions combined 0g/km) was the first imported premium all-electric vehicle from Europe.

The DENZA 400 – convenient emission-free mobility for day-to-day use

The DENZA 400 features improved battery density achieved through an upgraded production process that increases the battery’s capacity from 47.5 kWh to 62 kWh while maintaining the original size. With an upgraded range of up to 400 km, most Chinese consumers, who generally drive 50 to 80 km per day, will only need to recharge their DENZA 400 once per week. 

The first generation of DENZA was launched in 2014 as the premiere offering from the first Sino-German joint venture dedicated to electric vehicles in China. With nearly 3,000 units sold in its first year in 2015, DENZA quickly became the choice for those seeking convenient and reliable emission-free mobility.

About BYD Daimler New Technology

BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT) in Shenzhen is the first Sino-German joint venture dedicated to an all-electric vehicle in and for China. It targets raising the bar in the domestic electric vehicle market by combining Daimler’s renowned engineering expertise as global forerunner in safety and quality with BYD’s leading battery technology. BDNT will continue to focus on the development of energy-saving, safe, comfortable and high quality electric cars. The joint venture is committed to become China’s most successful new energy automobile manufacturer, to promote new energy vehicle (NEV) development and to create a better living environment.

About Daimler Greater China

Daimler’s presence in China covers all areas of mobility from private car ownership and NEV to commercial vehicles, from financial services to innovative car-sharing. Daimler Greater China Ltd. (DGRC), established in Beijing in January 2001, is responsible for the operation of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Trucks and Buses, Daimler Financial Services, and Daimler Spare Parts in Mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan. In China, including Hong Kong, the largest single market worldwide for Mercedes-Benz, the company saw sales rise by 33% to around 220,000 units in the first half of 2016. Daimler continuously invests in its business units in China, the latest being a €500 million investment in expanding its engine plant at Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC), announced in June of this year. Through 2015, Daimler and BAIC Motor had already invested a total of approximately €4 billion in BBAC, an integral element in Mercedes-Benz's flexible and efficient global production network. In addition, more than €100 million has been invested in the expansion of Daimler’s Beijing-based Mercedes-Benz Research and Development Center. Another Daimler joint venture, Fujian Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (FBAC), houses the first R&D center for Mercedes-Benz Vans outside of Germany. In March of this year, FBAC launched the new V-Class in China. With its products, customer-oriented services, continuous investments, and long-lasting alliances with strong local partners, Daimler Greater China steadily strives to prove its commitment to its Chinese customers