The two companies plan to create an electric vehicle destined for the booming Chinese market, which will have its dedicated brand. The new tie-up will also build a research & development center in China for this project.
“With this announcement, we continue to push ahead as a global leader in electric mobility. Daimler's know-how in electric vehicle architecture and BYD's excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems are a perfect match. Thus, we will be able to participate in the potential growth of electric mobility in China, currently the largest auto market of the world," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
"With this technology partnership, we have created a win-win business model with complimentary competences. We are very excited about this opportunity to work together with Daimler, the inventor of the automobile", said Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited.
Both companies are scheduled to introduce an all-electric model to the market in the current year. Mercedes will debut its electric A-Klasse, while BYD will produce the e6 electric vehicle. Daimler didn’t mention any details about the future jointly-developed electric car.
"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 will accelerate the growth of electric mobility in China", the two officials jointly stated.
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