The new DENZA brand for the electric vehicle developed by BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd. (BDNT), the 50:50 joint venture between Daimler and Chinese electric battery and car manufacturer BYD, was formally revealed today in Shenzhen at the “EV – The Future” event.The DENZA brand launch event is the latest milestone in the successful cooperation between Daimler and BYD. Following the BDNT joint venture contract signing in May 2010 and granting of the China business license in March 2011, development has been progressing on schedule.
“The exciting new DENZA brand is a highly visible seal of approval for the leading-edge design, technology and personality of the new car which we are convinced will resonate with customers here in China,” stated Ulrich Walker, Chairman & CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDNT. “BYD and Daimler have been visionaries in the development of sustainable mobility and new technologies. We are at the forefront in China as the first company to form a joint venture for the development of a pure electric vehicle, and we’re continuing our pace forward with this landmark event today.”
“We’re very pleased with progress on the development of the new all-electric car, and the DENZA brand really brings it to life,” said Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD and Member of the Board of Directors of BDNT. “We have the ideal partner in Daimler. BYD provides experience in battery technology and e-drive systems, as well as bringing EVs into operation on the streets of China. In connection with Daimler’s design of premium autos, know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety, and more than 125 years of experience in automotive excellence, DENZA is on the right track to become the leader in the New Energy Vehicle market in China.”
The DENZA name and logo have been carefully crafted to convey very precise themes. Primarily created with a focus on Chinese consumers, the name DENZA derives its strength from profound and positive associations with the Chinese characters 腾势 téng shì, which together mean “rising power and momentum” - referring both to the attributes of the car as well as the pace of development DENZA aims to be ahead in the New Energy Vehicle industry. DENZA is also a distinctive name in the English language with no prior associations.
The logo is designed around the flowing form of a central water-drop, supported by two hands. The blue water-drop represents the environmental friendliness of the all-electric vehicle, with blue also signifying advanced technology and a bright future. The curves on either side of the water-drop represent the hands of the two partners providing mutual support for the joint venture, as well as for the environment.
The first public appearance of the DENZA concept car will be at Auto China in Beijing in April, with first production planned in 2013. With rapid economic growth, increased urbanization, an open-minded consumer, and a supportive government, all the elements are in place to mark China as one of the countries with the highest potential for electric vehicle adoption.
About BDNT
In 2010, Daimler and BYD signed the contract for a 50:50 research and technology joint venture called “Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd,” (BDNT) that will develop an electric vehicle in and for China. End of February 2011 BDNT received its business license from Chinese authorities - just a few months after signing the JV contract. The vehicle will be marketed under the new DENZA brand jointly created and owned by the joint venture company BDNT.
Electric vehicles are especially well-suited for urban driving. With its many metropolitan areas, China has the potential to be among the world’s largest markets for zero-emission vehicles. Daimler and BYD are determined not only to participate in this growth of electric mobility in China but to accelerate it even further with their BDNT Joint Venture.Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a totally new generation of Mercedes-Benz medium-duty engines with the series designation OM 93x in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim today. Together with the equally new heavy-duty OM 470 engine, Daimler is expanding its "BlueEfficiency Power" engine portfolio into a comprehensive range complying with the impending Euro VI emissions standard. Initially presented in 2011, the OM 471 is already in service on long-haul operations in the new Mercedes-Benz Actros.
"The new engines set new benchmarks in their class. They have been designed in uncompromising manner for environmental friendliness, economy and performance," noted Georg Weiberg, Head of Truck Product Engineering Daimler Trucks, at the presentation of the engines. For the first time ever in an engine series for commercial vehicles, all the engines comply with the future Euro VI emissions standard. Euro VI will be mandatory in the EU from 2013/14. "As such, Mercedes-Benz is once again assuming the pioneering role in environmental protection," Weiberg added. He emphasized that this was particularly important for the OM 93x, as medium-duty engines are deployed primarily in trucks and buses which are used in conurbations, where reductions in emissions directly benefit the local population.
At the same time, the new medium-duty engines are extremely economical thanks to their long service lives, low consumption of fuel, AdBlue and engine oil and long maintenance intervals. Cutting-edge engine technology assures the OM 93x series of spontaneous acceleration and impressive power delivery. One of the technical highlights is the variable valve timing, which features for the first time in a diesel engine.
"We have invested around 500 million euros in development of the new Mercedes-Benz OM 934 and OM 936 engines and their production facilities at the Mannheim plant," observes Stefan Buchner, Head of Global Powertrain, Procurement and Manufacturing Engineering Daimler Trucks. "This commitment has paid off: the new OM93x series is a milestone among medium-duty engines and suitable for a diverse range of applications – in trucks, buses and as an industrial engine." The engines form part of a modular system with a high degree of shared components.
The medium-duty OM 934 and OM 936 engines, with four and six cylinders and a displacement of 5.1 and 7.7 litres respectively, cover a power range from 115 kW (156 hp) to 260 kW (354 hp). In the long term, the two engines will replace the engines of the 900 series launched in 1996, with a production volume to date of almost one million units.
The heavy-duty OM 470 engine with six cylinders and a displacement of 10.7 litres spans the power range from 240 kW (326 hp) to 315 kW (428 hp). It follows the OM 471 with a displacement of 12.8 litres which was presented last year.
The new engines are tailor-made for light- to heavy-duty distribution transport and for service in light- and medium-duty construction and long-haul transport. The OM 936 is also designed for deployment in urban and rural-service buses in vertical and rural-service buses in vertical and horizontal configuration.
Installation in other brands and models of Daimler Trucks on other continents is planned in due course. It is also planned to use the cutting-edge four- and six-cylinder engines in off-highway applications as industrial engines. Series production of the urban bus variants at the Mannheim engine plant will start shortly.
The Mannheim plant operates according to the "synchronous factory" principle. This means that the three production areas of foundry, machining and assembly function as an integrated system as part of a continuous production flow. Global supplier management is also coordinated in Mannheim.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
