Denza – BYD’s luxury car brand – unveiled its cars, and its plans, to the world’s media at a glittering event in Paris. But can it really succeed?
Not content with muscling their way to the top of the UK sales charts, the Chinese are now aiming for a slice of the premium market and have Porsche in their sites. This week, James Batchelor reports from the launch.
Elsewhere, I hear from staff who were told that Cargiant, the used car supermarket, will be closing its doors for good on April 24.
In other news:
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Best ad platforms rated
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Losses double at Norton Way
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FCA bans fake ads
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Doncaster dealer sell off
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Salesman faces jail
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Elton’s Roller for sale
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New Nissan Juke
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Used car prices stable
Ok, let’s get into the headlines and my take on the week’s news.
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There’s never been a time like this for the car industry. Ever. New car brands are opening as fast as vape shops on a dilapidated High Street and it’s hard to keep up.
In the last seven days, the Car Dealer team has been at three Chinese car events and the invites are still coming in thick and fast.
My colleague Jack Evans has driven the new Chery Tiggo 4, while James Batchelor has been clocking up some miles checking out Aion’s offerings and, importantly, BYD’s luxury entrant, Denza.
Denza’s launch was the one I was particularly keen on hearing more on. It took place in Paris with a huge budget, paid influencers dressed like James Bond and more fanfare than the Changing of the Guard… which was apt.
But what was the car like? And is this Chinese car brand really a rival for Porsche?
