BYD-Daimler Denza EV being readied for China
The new upcoming BYD-Daimler Denza EV debut of the production version was scheduled for the last month's Guangzhou Auto Show, but the Denza did not make it's appearance at the show.
The debut is now expected for the April 2014 Beijing Auto Show, with its launch in the China car market in the second half of next year.
BYD-Daimler is a joint venture between BYD Automobile and Daimler-Benz, aimed at making affordable electric cars for the Chinese auto market. The full name of the venture is 'Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology' (BDNT) and it was established in March 2012.
The Denza is their first car, based on the old Benz B-Class with the electric power train of the BYD e6. The Denza debuted as a concept on the 2012 Beijing Auto Show and was back as a prototype on the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.
Chinese media say's that the Denza will initially start with dealers in only three cities: Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. The latter being the home town of BYD-Daimler and BYD.
This indicates that the partners apparently do not have too much faith in the whole project and rumors say that Daimler would rather kill the whole Denza car now and they are so cozy with Beijing Auto.
The chrome grille looks kind of cool.