BYD, China’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, has recently solidified its grasp on the future of electric mobility by acquiring full ownership of the Denza brand, a move that signifies the end of Joint Ventures Era and the beginning of a new chapter as an independent automaker.

Original Denza EV

Established in 2011 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, Denza was initially a marriage of German engineering prowess and Chinese innovative spirit. With a registered capital of 1 billion USD, the partnership aimed to create a lineup of electric vehicles that would redefine the market. However, despite the promising start and the launch of models like the Denza 400 and Denza 500, which improved notably in range and features, the brand struggled to find its footing.

Denza X electric SUV

The turning point came in 2021 when BYD increased its stake to 90%, relegating Mercedes-Benz to a minor shareholder with a mere 10% stake. This shift in ownership dynamics marked the beginning of a strategic restructuring that saw the phasing out of the Denza X and the introduction of new models like the Denza D9 MPV, which surprisingly managed to achieve what its predecessors could not: significant sales figures.

The D9’s success, along with the subsequent launch of the N7 crossover and the N8 SUV, has reinvigorated the brand. Interestingly, the N8, which is based on the BYD Tang, has in many ways become a revamped version of the previously discontinued Denza X, indicating a strategic shift towards models that resonate more with the market.

Denza D9 electric MPV

This year, Denza reached a milestone with the delivery of its 200,000th vehicle, a testament to its growing popularity since 2022. With an ambitious plan to expand its range to ten models and the upcoming international launch in markets like Hong Kong and Europe, Denza is poised to become a global contender in the EV sector.

At the recent pre-sales conference for the Denza Z9 GT, BYD’s Chairman Wang Chuanfu reflected on the brand’s journey, acknowledging Denza as a product and brand born on the shoulders of giants. However, it is the increasing independence from its German partner that has coincided with a rise in the brand’s market success. Now, with BYD at the helm, Denza’s potential seems limitless.

The full ownership of Denza by BYD is more than just a corporate move; it represents a significant leap forward in China’s EV industry. It signifies the coming of age for Chinese automakers, which are now not only capable of standing on their own but also competing on a global scale. As Denza continues to expand its product lineup and reach, it carries with it the promise of an EV future that is not just electric, but also innovative, sustainable, and undeniably Chinese.

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