Denza, BYD’s Chinese joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, is preparing to launch a new model. According to the registration application with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the vehicle is an electric SUV called the Denza N7.
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Denza, BYD’s Chinese joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, has unveiled the D9, a van available with a choice of pure electric or hybrid drive. Prices for the BEV start at 390,000 Yuan (€55,000).
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Daimler will significantly reduce its stake in Denza, the electric car joint venture in China with BYD. While Daimler is reducing its share from 50 to 10 per cent, BYD will hold 90 per cent of the shares.
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The electric car joint venture between Daimler and BYD in China with the Denza brand is apparently facing an uncertain future. According to a German media report, Daimler insiders talk about a “disaster” given the persistently low sales numbers.
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China’s BYD and Daimler will put more money behind their joint electric vehicle venture Denza in China as they increase their investment. Both will add another 400 million RMB, (about 53M euros) in order to build on production and service.
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More range and a new face is the promise of the Denza 500 that BYD and Daimler launched through their joint venture Shenzhen DENZA New Energy Automotive today. The all-electric model has been made in and for China exclusively and succeeds their first EV.
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Daimler and BYD have been cooperating on the Denza since 2016 under the banner of Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology for the Chinese market. Now their dedicated China EV has received a facelift and a new name tag.
Read morePSA to launch 3 EVs until 2020: The French group has revealed details about its electrification strategy in the upcoming years. By 2019, PSA intends to launch all-electric versions of its best-selling model, the Peugeot 208, and of its upcoming DS 3 Crossback. An EV version of the Peugeot 2008 shall follow in 2020. To gain a stronger position in the PHEV market, PSA plans to introduce hybrid versions of the DS 7 Crossback, the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, the Citroen C5 Aircross and Opel’s respectively Vauxhall’s Grandland X, too. The first PHEV compact crossover built on the company’s EMP2 platform will be the above mentioned DS 7 Crossback in 2019.
europe.autonews.com
Tesla stops Model S 75 sales: Since yesterday, the cheapest option of the Model S is not available anymore – most probably to further distinguish the luxury sedan from the new Model 3. From now on, the Model S base version will no longer be a rear-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive model with 75 or 100 kWh battery pack and pricing starting at 74,500 dollars (before 69,500 USD). Thus, the Model 3 is going to be the only EV in Tesla’s line-up with a rear-wheel drive motor.
electrek.co
Denza to broaden its EV line-up? Wang Chuanfu, CEO of Chinese manufacturer BYD, says he is currently discussing with Daimler additional investments in their Chinese JV. The aim is to launch new electric vehicle models through their common brand Denza. Further details have not yet been released.
europe.autonews.com</a
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Tech data about Nio’s electric SUV: When start-up Nio presented its electric SUV ES8 in April, technical specifications were not provided. Now CarNewsChina publishes data gained through a leaked spec sheet: Thus, the seven-seater comes with a total output of 240 kW and 420 Nm torque, a 67 kWh battery pack shall enable a NEFZ range of 355 km. Production kick-off is scheduled for late-2017.
carnewschina.com
Innogy’s investment plans: German RWE subsidy Innogy publishes details about its company strategy until 2025. Among others, it intends to put 1,2bn euros in the growing markets of electric mobility, photovoltaics and broadband until 2019. Within its electric mobility business unit, Innogy says it currently operates 5,800 charging points in more than 20 countries and to offer the “complete package”: from developing, installation and operation of charging stations to their maintenance and accounting.
news.innogy.com
Formula E travels to 4 new cities: The calendar for the Formula E’s next season is featuring four historic new events: in Zurich, Rome, Santiago de Chile and São Paulo. The Zurich race marks the first circuit racing in Switzerland since it was banned in 1955. The season starts with a double-header event in Hong Kong early December.
electricautosport.com
Cash injection: Daimler and BYD both want to invest 500m yuan (72.6m dollars) into their indebted EV joint venture in China. Shenzhen Denza New Energy Automotive Co. will thus recapitalise to 3.36bn yuan, up from 2.36bn in order to strengthen its brand and distribution. To date, Denza has failed to turn a profit since its first and only jointly developed EV hit the market in 2014. Since then, BYD and Daimler increased the range to 400 km last year but apparently to little avail.
europe.autonews.com
Electric super Skoda? Volkswagen’s Czech subsidiary is eyeing a sports EV, Auto Express reports. It will fit into the planned line-up of no less than five electric cars by Skoda although it will be most likely be the last in line by 2025. All electric Skoda will utilise VW’s MEB platform.
autoexpress.co.uk
Austria is next for Audi after the brand opened its order books for the e-tron quattro in Norway first. Alpinist may pay a 1,000 euros to secure their place on the waiting list. A launch is only due by the end of next year, although a concept appeared as early as 2015. Audi told electrive.net about its plans to add an 11 kW on-board charger to charge the 95 kWh battery that is to last for about 500 km.
electrive.net (in German)
Jaguar I-Pace is making the rounds in Monaco where the brand’s first EV was caught bare. More revelations had to be made by Jaguar CEO Ian Callum on Twitter, where he admitted the I-Pace’s inability to tow a trailer unlike its opponent the Tesla Model X.
electrek.co (images), insideevs.com (trailer)
U.S. pricing Smart ED: The next-gen Smart for two ED will be 1,200 dollars cheaper than its predecessor. Prices start from 23,800 dollars in the USA , where sales are to begin this summer.
electriccarsreport.com, insideevs.com
Tesla upgrades to 100 kWh: The EV maker now offers its Model S and X with a 100 kWh battery pack. The Model S 100D has a range of 315 miles (613 km) and is the first EV to exceed the 300-mile-threashold. Able to go from zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds, the Model S 100D with Ludicrous is also the third fasted production car ever made. The range of the Model X increases to 289 miles.
engadget.com, tesla.com, greencarcongress.com
Denza EV with endurance: Daimler and BYD have upped the range of their jointly build model for China. The Denza 400 now has a 62 kWh battery pack (up from 47.5 kWh), allowing it to go up to 400 km on one charge. Why can’t Daimler offer a similar electric car in the other corners of the world?
autocar.co.uk, greencarcongress.com
FF EV caught on camera: First images of the upcoming electric car from Faraday Future have surfaced online. Even though the testing vehicle is still heavily camouflaged, it is clear that we have a crossover model similar to the Tesla Model X to look forward to.
electrek.co
Strict rules for utility vehicles: The U.S. EPA and DOE have determined fuel efficiency standards for utility vehicles from 2021 to 2027. Tractor units, for example, will then have to emit 25 percent less CO2 than allowed in 2018.
automotive-business-review.com, epa.gov
Soul gets makeover: The Kia Soul has gotten a small facelift. Next to some minor updates, it now comes in five different colours. The electric variant sells from 42.75m won (38.300 USD) in South Korea.
koreaherald.com
More money for electric mobility: The German federal state of Hesse announced that it will increases grants for electric mobility from 1.5 to 2.3m euros for 2017. The money will be spent on pilot projects, practical applications and community mobility hubs. Another 5m euros annually will be earmarked to purchase electric buses and help develop EV charging infrastructure.
bundesverkehrsportal.de (in German)
The Tesla “D” will be unveiled on October 9th according to a tweet by Elon Musk. The surprising announcement also teases “something else” to be shown. So far, rumours on the internet range from a new Model S with all-wheel drive or driverless technology to a new SUV below the Model X.
engadget.com, twitter.com
Sporty Volkswagens: On the eve of the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled its XL Sport, whose plug-in hybrid drivetrain got replaced by a two-cylinder Ducati engine. Furthermore, the VW Group also shows the plug-in Lamborghini Asterion in Paris, which is to follow the lead of Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche and their plug-in hybrid supercars.
nytimes.com (XL Sport), hybridcars.com (Asterion)
New electric motorcycles: Californian BRD Motorcycles will present the RedShift MX, an electric motocross bike and the road legal RedShift SM at AIMExpo this month. Both will cost about 15,000 dollars. The start-up just won another 4.5 million dollar investment, increasing its asset to 8.5 millions.
wsj.com
Shhh, a new Volt is coming: Instead of leaking details bit by bit, GM is making its secrecy the news, revealing nothing else than that a new Volt is in the making. The next generation of their plug-in bestseller is set to debut at the Auto Show in Detroit in January.
hybridcars.com
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Model S sales in China: According to Goldman Sachs analyst Patrick Archambault, Tesla has about 4,000 reservations for its electric luxury sedan from Asia’s largest country. He bases his optimistic guess on industry insiders as well as waiting times for up to six months in China.
greencarreports.com, cleantechnica.com
Price rise: BMW will raise the price for both the ActiveHybrid 3 and the ActiveHybrid 5 by 250 dollars in the States. Instead of 50,850 dollars, the 3-series will now be listed at 51,100 dollars, the ActiveHybrid 5 at 62,850 dollars.
hybridcars.com
Caddy ELR reviewed: Chris Paukert’s review is not so much of a test drive but looks at where the ELR actually stands. While the price tag of 75k has been “warding off would-be suitors” for months now, the ELR for Paukert is essentially “a beautiful piece of sculpture that just so happens to move.”
autoblog.com
Denza EV exclusive to Shanghai: The Daimler and BYD Joint Venture has launched its electric car in China. Currently, Shanghai is the only city in which the Denza EV is offered but Shenzhen and Beijing will follow later this year.
carnewschina.com
French EV Alliance: Renault and Bolloré have now fixed their cooperation. Cooperations to be precise. From mid 2015 on, Renault will take over the production of Bolloré’s Bluecar in its facility in Dieppe, France. Furthermore, a feasibility study will consider the development of a three-seater for Bolloré. The new vehicle is said to feature lithium-metal polymer batteries and could eventually be used in a newly formed joint venture for electric carsharing all over Europe.
transportevolved.com, greencarcongress.com, green.autoblog.com, renault.com
Denza production start: The Daimler-BYD joint venture is now manufacturing their EV for the Chinese market. By the end of September, the all-electric Denza will become available starting at 369,000 yuan (60,200 dollars), buying incentives of nearly 120,000 yuan (19,600 dollar) excluded.
media.daimler.com, caradvice.com.au
Spy shot: Driving Sports captured an hitherto unknown Toyota which could later be identified as most likely being a pre-production FCV. The Japanese hydrogen car, presumable called Mirai (we reported), is expected to arrive in the U.S. by summer 2015 after it debuts in its homeland in April next year.
blog.drivingsports.com
Jaguar XE: The prestige project does not feature a hybrid version from the start as previously hoped for. However, the XE’s drive is “designed to link in with all the different combinations of hybrid technology” and while no time frame was given, it looks like there will be a hybrid version eventually.
motoring.com.au, autoexpress.co.uk
Chinese mini i3: Chinese Wuling will present a new concept EV called City Car at the Guangzhou Auto Show this November. The designers seemingly favour German engineering as the new EV resembles some design elements of BMW’s i3 while its dimensions are more those of a Smart.
carnewschina.com, worldcarfans.com
Almost 90,000 pounds will Mercedes be asking UK buyers of the S-Class 500 plug-in hybrid when it hits the isles in late November. The exact starting price is 87,965 pounds (141,800 dollars) after the government grant of 5,000 pounds. The premium hybrid will be exempt from road tax as well as London’s congestion charge.
thegreencarwebsite.co.uk, puregreencars.com
Another plug-in from Sweden: Volvo announced that its S90 limousine will debut in the second half of 2015. It will share mechanics and chassis as well as connectivity technology of the recently presented XC90 and will also be available as a plug-in hybrid.
motoring.com.au, leftlanenews.com
Renault to show plug-in hybrid: The French carmaker wants to present a 2-litre (117 mpg) concept car at the Paris Auto Show. It is said to build on a completely new platform. Details have yet to be released, but due to earlier announcements, a plug-in hybrid is considered as very likely.
cars.uk.msn.com, autocar.co.uk, greencarreports.com
NEVS to reorganise: A court in Swedish Vaenersborg approved NEVS’ application for protection from creditors, after first rejecting it on Thursday (we reported). The Saab-owner allegedly owes suppliers 57 million dollars. Negotiations with investors are progressing, but have yet to bear fruit. Meanwhile, NEVS lost the right to use the brand name Saab for new vehicles as well as those originally developed under that name.
greencarcongress.com, just-auto.com (reorgianisation), wsj.com (name)
EV prices reach record low in Rotterdam: The Nissan e-NV200, i.e., starts at a mere 4,950 euros, the Leaf at 7,450 euros due to new subsidies, claimed to be the best in the world. These are, however, temporary and limited in terms of number of sales. Amsterdam is offering similar bargains, combining local and national subsidies.
electriccarsreport.com, puregreencars.com
Behind the wheel of the Denza EV: Greg Kable from Autocar says the electric vehicle sets itself apart from other cars from China due to its “high standard of fit and finish.” Another positive point is its 208 mile range. With a weight of 2090 kg, Kable also criticises that the Denza is “hardly what you’d describe as quick.”
autocar.co.uk
Introducing the Unu: The electric scooter has a range of 100 kilometres and a top speed of 45 kph. It features a portable 3000-watt lithium-ion battery, which weighs only 8 kilos. That enables users to charge their two-wheeler virtually anywhere. Pricing starts at 1,699 euros (2,231 dollars).
designboom.com
Mia Electric revival? Apparently, four parties are interested in taking over the bankrupt French electric car manufacturer. The battery producer E4V as well as NSD2 and the 4H Holding all expressed their interest. Furthermore, a group of German companies bid for Mia Electric as ‘Mia Generation.’ Offers can be handed in until May, 5th at the commercial court of the Poitou-Charentes region, France.
afp.com, avem.fr (both in French), emobilitaetonline.de (in German)
Qoros to become electric: In an exclusive interview with the German Wirtschaftswoche, Qoros CEO Volker Steinwascher announced plans to export the brand to Germany by 2016. Furthermore, Qoros is working on an SUV which could be turned into a hybrid or electric version at a later date.
wiwo.de (in German)
Peugeot electric bicycles: Anthony Ingram took his chance at a Peugeot press event in France to take a trip into the world of pedal-powered electric two-wheelers. He found that Peugeots’s AE21 and CE21 offered a very different riding experience, while using similar technology and concluded it is worth to “shop around” before buying a pedelec.
greencarreports.com
Denza to remain in China: In an interview with the German daily Die Welt, CEO Arno Röhringer specified the strategy for Daimler’s and BYD’s electric model. The Denza will be launched by September in Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai before being rolled out in other mega cities like Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Tianjin. The car will remain in China however, and will not come to Europe as it has been specifically developed for its land of origin.
welt.de (in German)
Meet the new Prius: Or at least take a look at this rendering by ‘Car Sensor’ that shows how the next generation could look like. The new 2016 model of the hybrid classic is expected to come out next year and will be built on Toyota’s TNGA platform.
indianautosblog.com
Quick spin: Steven J. Ewing had high hopes when trying the Lexus CT 200h F Sport as he thought that the “added dose of sportiness” could only mean more fun. However, after taking the hybrid for a ride, the concept just did not “make a whole lot of sense” to Ewing anymore.
autoblog.com
Denza comes with subsidies: Daimler’s and BYD’s joint electric car is priced at 369,000 renminbi (59,300 dollars). However, the Denza will be eligible for local subsidies of up to 120,000 renminbi (19,300 dollar), Daimler said, as well as other EV privileges in cities like Beijing or Shenzhen.
reuters.com
Audi’s new plug-in concept: In Beijing, the German carmaker presents the Audi TT offroad concept with wireless charging. The car is a combination of a coupé and a compact SUV, which comes with a two-motor e-tron quattro drive. The electric range is said to be over 50 kilometres.
greencarcongress.com, green.autoblog.com, electriccarsreport.com
Tesla to produce in China: Elon Musk has said at a conference yesterday, that Tesla will make electric cars in China in the next three to four years. With deliveries of the Model S starting next week, Tesla expects to sell as many cars in China as in the U.S. by as soon as next year.
bloomberg.com via greencarreports.com
Fisker’s production plans: The compan’’s interim president Roger Brown issued a roadmap for The New Fisker. First, the Karma is to be relaunched by August 2015 followed by the Surf, a shooting-brake Karma a year later, and the smaller Atlantic by 2017. However, TNF has not made it decision if these new vehicles will be built in Delaware.
green.autoblog.com, delawareonline.com
VW to electrify China: Volkswagen is planning to enter the Chinese market with the e-Up and e-Golf both being scheduled to launch later this year. 2015, the Golf GTE as well as the Audi e-tron are China-bound before finally the Audi A6 together with two new plug-in hybrids solely made for China are scheduled to arrive by 2016. Furthermore, VW has unveiled an updated Touareg ahead of its debut at Beijing motor show. The 2015 model will be available worldwide from summer and comes as a hybrid too.
greencarcongress.com, autoweek.com (Touareg)
Accell strengthens U.S. e-bike operations: The Dutch company’s North American branch is about to launch the ‘Electric Bicycle Competence Center.’ This new division is designed to train dealers on Accell’s upcoming new e-bike systems as well as providing a service infrastructure.
bike-eu.com
Details of Daimler’s Denza: The first Chinese-German offspring will make its debut at Beijing Motorshow. For Daimler, it is the first product it ever designed abroad with its partner BYD. The Denza’s battery sits underneath the car in a shock-proof alloy frame. The price has still not been revealed.
welt.de (in German)
BMW i3 production: BMW has ramped up production of its electric car in Leipzig by 43% reports Bloomberg with reference to an email by BMW’s head of production, Harald Krüger. Due to high demand, 100 instead of 70 units of the i3 will now be built a day.
bloomberg.com
Spy shots of the new Volt: The 2016 Chevrolet Volt has been spotted on one of its test runs but highly covered in camouflage. It seems like the car will get a complete new bodywork and will be based on a new platform. Overall, it appears the new Volt will be sleeker than the current model.
autoblog.com
Nissan unveils the Murano in New York today. The third generation follows the ‘Resonance Concept’ and will be available as front and all-wheel drive. However, Nissan has nor confirmed or denied plans for a hybrid Murano yet.
manufacturing.automotive-business-review.com, youtube.com (video)
E-Bike production growing: Taiwanese Merida will expand its facility in Yuanlin to meet increased demand for e-bikes and frames. Demand is driven by the introduction of Shimano’s new pedelec system Steps which requires special frames.
bike-eu.com
Bentley plans hybrid SUV: The carmaker just premiered the first image of its upcoming 4×4, available in 2016. A petrol-hybrid version will follow in 2017 and is said to have an electric range of about 25 miles. The technology will be adapted from other projects within the VW Group.
topgear.com, autoexpress.co.uk, autoweek.com
Waiting for BMW i3: Buyers will have to wait as long as six months to get their i3 because production cannot keep up with demand. The reason is the increasing number of orders from Norway and the U.S., which crossed the 11,000-unit mark. There is no problem with production itself, however, BMW reassures customers.
automobilwoche.de (in German)
First Denza caught on camera: The first car of the BYD-Daimler joint venture has been spotted near the flagship store in Beijing. It features Daimler’s luxury and BYD’s technology, including an 87 kW motor with a 250 kilometre range (155 miles).
chinacartimes.com
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www.hannovermesse.de
Why ban Tesla? After the U.S. state of New Jersey banned the all-electric carmaker from selling its luxury sedan directly to customers in its own stores, the debate is on. Is Tesla’s retail concept really hurting the competition? This article takes closer look at the arguments from both sides.
nytimes.com
Toyota Prius named best used car: According to Consumer Reports, the hybrid is not only a nice ride when it rolls fresh off the assembly line – especially the 2004-2007 models make for a great used vehicles. It gets good mileage, is reliable and comes with a price tag of less than 10,000 dollars.
greencarreports.com
ABB-chargers for Denza: BYD and Daimler’s joint venture, BYD Daimler New Technology (BDNT), authorised ABB to develop DC home fast-chargers for its Chinese consumers. The wall chargers can be monitored and controlled remotely with a mobile app and will be sold through Denza dealerships later this year. The Denza itself will debut at Beijing Auto Show with its launch being due soon after.
chinacartimes.com, greencarcongress.com, technologicvehicles.com (Launch)
Dutch EV sales: After an EV incentive running out in December last year had caused a run on electric cars in the Netherlands, things were back to normal in January. Overall 370 PHEV were sold with 34 of them being fully electric. Almost half of those were BMW i3.
evobsession.com
E-mail in its most literal sense is the subject of a new trial by Deutsche Post DHL and the Technical University of Berlin beginning in March. 20 electric delivery vans will deliver mail during the day while being charged over night. The test is part of the ‘Smart e-User’ project with the objective to fully integrate EVs into daily city logistics.
idw-online.de (In German)
Vienna’s electric buses have already driven more than 200,000 kilometres without major problems. The public transport authority of the Austrian capital is now looking into testing 12-metre electric buses. The current 12 ‘Citybuses’ mainly serve the 2A line and have become a tourist attraction. The Citybus is charged via overhead cable at terminals and its batteries can be pre-heated before starting in winter.
derstandard.at (In German)
Liberty e-care: Liberty Electric Cars has now launched its after sales program in France. First introduced in 2011 in the UK, ‘Liberty E-care’ covers services for the Ford Transit E-Connect, Citroen EV1, I-Moving range, and others.
electriccarsreport.com
Nissan charge pass: Nissan signed a partnership with French Green Park Solution for the start-up’s Kiwhi Pass. This card can be used at many charging stations in France thus enabling Nissan EV drivers to roam more freely in the future.
motornature.com
Volvo Concept XC debut: The latest concept car from Sweden will premier at the Detroit Auto Show next week and is a preview of the new XC90. Volvo announced to introduce the XC90 worldwide at the end of 2014 available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
electriccarsreport.com (with Video)
Extended version of Kia App: At CES, the Korean automaker presents its upgraded UVO app. The latest version brings telematic functionalities for Kia’s upcoming EVs. The new UVO system provides information on battery status and remaining range. With the app, drivers can also preset charging times for the car on their phone. Furthermore the new voice recognition feature will enable users to control the infotainment system more safely.
hybridcars.com
First look at the Denza EV: The joint venture of Daimler and BYD has been working on their Chinese Denza for some time. Now, a few snapshots from inside the production facility and the car itself surfaced. As the exterior looks somewhat like the Mercedes B-Class, the interior resembles more a BYD E6.
chinacartimes.com
