Daimler has extended 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.
The Denza 400 (below) 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.
The current SOP – start of production – of
another NEV project is a signal, claims Daimler, of its “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,” claims 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 says it was 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 features improved battery
density achieved through an “upgraded production process” that increases
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 need only to recharge their Dwnza 400 once per
week. The appearance of the latest model suggests shortcomings for the
original design.
BDNT launched firstgeneration Denza 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, Daimler says Denza became the choice for those seeking convenient and
reliable emission-free mobility.
BYD will no doubt be pleased to have the
strength of a European technology and manufacturing giant as a shoulder to lean
as it progresses its battery technology into road vehicles.
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 engineering expertise as global
forerunner in safety and quality with BYD’s battery technology – technology that
will be extended to a range of different-sized vehicles.
BDNT will continue to focus on the development
of energy-saving, safe, comfortable and high quality electric cars. Partners in
BDNT claim 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”.
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’s latest investment in China is a €500
million commitment in expanding its engine plant at Beijing Benz Automotive
Co., Ltd. (BBAC).
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