The locally made Denza by BYD Daimler premiered at the Beijing Auto Show. Photos provided to China Daily |
With the current government policy limiting electric vehicle subsidies to locally produced brands, foreign carmakers are turning to localization and innovative business models.
Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co Ltd - a joint venture between the German giant and China's top electric vehicle maker - announced to receive orders for its all-electric Denza in Beijing on May 17. Eligible for the national subsidy, its price to buyers is 255,000 yuan ($40,800).
The first Denza models will be delivered to customers in October.
|
|
The venture is now seeking to qualify for subsidies from the Shanghai government to further lower the Denza's price.
Lin Mi, vice-president of BYD Daimler, said that based on BYD's experience in new-energy public transportation, Denza will sell "solutions" to customers including charging facilities.
"As an innovative company building new-energy vehicles, we will also be innovative in marketing and sales strategies, for example a trial on an e-commerce platform," said Lin.
BYD Daimler has already signed an agreement with power and automation technology group ABB for supplying direct-current fast chargers over the next six years that is expected to result in the world's largest fast-charging network for electric vehicles.
The chargers will be sold through Denza dealerships along with the vehicles and priced at 10,000 yuan for seven-hour chargers and 20,000 yuan for fast charging units that need only three hours.
"Charging facilities will be one of Denza's competitive edges," said Lin.