Ulrich Walker, Chairman & CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDNT at DENZA brand launch press conference in Shenzhen/China. Courtesy of Daimler Global Media Site

Shenzhen, China and Stuttgart, Germany - March 30, 2012

• New all-electric vehicle developed in China, for the Chinese market

• With brand name ‘DENZA’ Chinese associate modern, clean technology, rising power and forward momentum

• Flowing blue logo represents eco-friendliness and joint support of two partners

• Show car concept model will make an appearance at Auto China 2012

The BYD e6 is a 5-seat, crossover all-electric vehicle with an extended wheelbase of 111.4 inches. It is the generous size and comfort of the BYD e6 that sets it apart from other electric vehicles in any current classification. In contrast to the competitors' electric vehicles, the e6 features a spacious interior cabin with substantial legroom and headroom for passengers, as well as ample luggage space in the rear. Meanwhile, the e6 boasts a powerful drive-train, adopting BYD's revolutionary new EV battery – the Iron-Phosphate or "Fe" battery. Courtesy of BYD Company Limited

The new DENZA brand for the electric vehicle developed by BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd. (BDNT), the 50:50 joint venture between Daimler and Chinese electric battery and car manufacturer BYD, was formally revealed today in Shenzhen at the “EV – The Future” event.

The BYD e6 is a 5-seat, crossover all-electric vehicle with an extended wheelbase of 111.4 inches. It is the generous size and comfort of the BYD e6 that sets it apart from other electric vehicles in any current classification. Courtesy of BYD Company Limited

The DENZA brand launch event is the latest milestone in the successful cooperation between Daimler and BYD.

Following the BDNT joint venture contract signing in May 2010 and granting of the China business license in March 2011, development has been progressing on schedule.

Electric vehicle e6 taxi in Shenzhen On May 1st, 2011, Fifty (50) eTaxi of the BYD's e6, five(5)-seat crossover vehicles, each with a range of over 160 miles (250-300 Km) and a top speed of 88 mph (or 140km/h) have been in service at Shenzhen-based Pengcheng Electric Taxi Company since April 29, 2010. The Shenzhen e6 Taxi fleet has now accumulated ~1,730,000 all-electric miles (or 2.77 million kilometers) while being rapid charged in 20-30 minutes. The distance traveled for single fleet vehicles has reached ~63,000 miles each (or 100,000 km). " On May 1st, 2010, the first batch of BYD e6 pure electric taxis were launched in a trial project in Shenzhen. Courtesy of BYD Company Limited / YouTube

“The exciting new DENZA brand is a highly visible seal of approval for the leading-edge design, technology and personality of the new car which we are convinced will resonate with customers here in China,” stated Ulrich Walker, Chairman & CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDNT.
“BYD and Daimler have been visionaries in the development of sustainable mobility and new technologies. We are at the forefront in China as the first company to form a joint venture for the development of a pure electric vehicle, and we’re continuing our pace forward with this landmark event today.”

Electric vehicle e6 taxi in Shenzhen Courtesy of BYD Company Limited / YouTube

“We’re very pleased with progress on the development of the new all-electric car, and the DENZA brand really brings it to life,” said Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD and Member of the Board of Directors of BDNT.
“We have the ideal partner in Daimler. BYD provides experience in battery technology and e-drive systems, as well as bringing EVs into operation on the streets of China. In connection with Daimler’s design of premium autos, know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety, and more than 125 years of experience in automotive excellence, DENZA is on the right track to become the leader in the New Energy Vehicle market in China.”

Electric vehicle e6 taxi in Shenzhen Courtesy of BYD Company Limited / YouTube

The DENZA name and logo have been carefully crafted to convey very precise themes.

Primarily created with a focus on Chinese consumers, the name DENZA derives its strength from profound and positive associations with the Chinese characters 腾势 téng shì, which together mean “rising power and momentum” - referring both to the attributes of the car as well as the pace of development DENZA aims to be ahead in the New Energy Vehicle industry.
DENZA is also a distinctive name in the English language with no prior associations.

DENZA Logo Courtesy of Daimler Global Media Site

The logo is designed around the flowing form of a central water-drop, supported by two hands.
The blue water-drop represents the environmental friendliness of the all-electric vehicle, with blue also signifying advanced technology and a bright future.
The curves on either side of the water-drop represent the hands of the two partners providing mutual support for the joint venture, as well as for the environment.

BYD e-bus K9 Standard 12meters long city Bus powered by pure electricity. Courtesy of BYD Company Limited / YouTube

The first public appearance of the DENZA concept car will be at Auto China in Beijing in April, with first production planned in 2013.

BYD e-bus K9 Standard 12meters long city Bus powered by pure electricity. Courtesy of BYD Company Limited / YouTube

With rapid economic growth, increased urbanization, an open-minded consumer, and a supportive government, all the elements are in place to mark China as one of the countries with the highest potential for electric vehicle adoption.

BYD e-bus K9 Standard 12meters long city Bus powered by pure electricity. Courtesy of BYD Company Limited / YouTube

About BDNT

In 2010, Daimler and BYD signed the contract for a 50:50 research and technology joint venture called “Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd,” (BDNT) that will develop an electric vehicle in and for China.

Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited and Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG (center). BYD Company Limited and Daimler AG signed a contract creating a 50:50 research and technology joint venture called "Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd," that will develop an electric vehicle for China. May 28, 2010. Courtesy of BYD Company Limited

End of February 2011 BDNT received its business license from Chinese authorities - just a few months after signing the JV contract.

The vehicle will be marketed under the new DENZA brand jointly created and owned by the joint venture company BDNT.

Electric vehicles are especially well-suited for urban driving.

With its many metropolitan areas, China has the potential to be among the world’s largest markets for zero-emission vehicles.

Established in 1995, BYD is a top high-tech enterprise in China specializing in IT, automobile and new energy. BYD is the largest supplier of rechargeable batteries in the globe, and has the largest market share for Nickel-cadmium batteries, handset Li-ion batteries, cell-phone chargers and keypads worldwide. It also has the second largest market share for cell-phone shells in the globe. BYD Auto becomes the most innovative independent national auto brand and leads the field of electric vehicles with unique technologies. In the field of new energy, BYD has developed green products such as solar farm, battery energy storage station, electric vehicle, and LED, etc. It will continue to lead the new energy revolution in the world! Courtesy of BYD Company Limited

Daimler and BYD are determined not only to participate in this growth of electric mobility in China but to accelerate it even further with their BDNT Joint Venture.


Media Contacts

Bettina Singhartinger
Head of Business Communications
Mercedes-Benz Cars
Phone: +49 711 17 40598
Fax: +49 711 17 790 91184

Arnd Minne
Corporate Communications
Phone: +86 10 8417 2776
Fax: +86 10 8417 3915


Source: Daimler AG

http://media.daimler.com/  


Video
Electric vehicle e6 taxi in Shenzhen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKMIyjrptdE&feature=related  


Video
BYD e-bus K9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taS5CE9SqGA  



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