BYD, the Chinese electric car giant, is making strides into the European market with the launch of its premium Denza brand. Despite escalating trade tensions, BYD is set to introduce its first model, the Z9GT, in European showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Z9GT will be available in both battery-only and plug-in hybrid versions, offering European customers a sustainable and stylish option for their transportation needs.
The Denza brand was initially established in 2010 in partnership with Daimler, now known as the Mercedes-Benz Group. Following a revamp in 2021, Denza has been selling cars in China, with Daimler reducing its equity interest to 10%. The European Union imposed 17% duties on BYD battery electric vehicles last year, citing unfair production subsidies. However, Chinese and EU officials have been in discussions to address issues related to the electric car supply chain.
BYD’s second model for the European market will be the D9, a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle, although a specific delivery date has not been announced. Stella Li, executive vice president at BYD, expressed excitement about introducing the Denza brand to European customers, starting in Milan and expanding throughout 2025.
Overseas sales have been surging for BYD, with the company reporting more than 206,000 cars sold outside China in the first quarter of this year. This marks a significant increase from the previous year and highlights the company’s growing presence in international markets. BYD’s first-quarter revenue also saw substantial growth, reaching 8.5 billion yuan ($1.2 billion).
BYD’s focus on new energy vehicles has been a key driver of its success, with record sales of 986,098 passenger cars in the first quarter. The company no longer produces traditional fuel-powered passenger cars, positioning itself as a leader in the electric vehicle market. BYD’s cars typically target a lower price segment compared to Tesla, but the Chinese automaker surpassed Elon Musk’s company in total sales last year.
In the first quarter, BYD sold more battery-only passenger cars than Tesla in China, further solidifying its position as a prominent player in the electric vehicle industry. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, BYD is poised to make a significant impact in the European market with the introduction of the Denza brand and its lineup of eco-friendly vehicles.
