BYD’s Denza expands to Thailand, launches Denza D9 - Malaysia to get PHEV version?

KUALA LUMPUR:  BYD-owned Denza has officially entered the Thai automotive market, marking Thailand as the brand’s fourth international market in the Asia-Pacific region, following successful entries in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia soon.

This expansion reinforces Denza’s commitment to expanding its presence across the region, aiming to tap into Thailand's rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs).

Also Read:  Denza D9 is set to arrive in Malaysia soon

Denza’s debut in Thailand will feature the launch of the Denza D9 Premium and Premium AWD models, priced at 1,999,900 baht (around RM267,000) and 2,699,900 baht (around RM360,000), respectively.

The luxury-oriented D9 models promise to appeal to Thai consumers with their blend of premium features and advanced electric vehicle technology.

Reflecting Denza's growing popularity, the brand reports it has surpassed 250,000 vehicle reservations globally. To support its entry into the Thai market, Denza plans to establish five showrooms and ten sales centers across the country by the end of the year, demonstrating its commitment to establishing a strong infrastructure in Thailand.

Thailand’s government, aiming to become a leader in EV adoption, has introduced the “3030” policy, which targets a 30% production share of EVs in the country’s overall automotive output by 2030. Additionally, by 2035, the nation expects that all newly sold vehicles will be fully electric.

BYD has already established a solid presence in Thailand’s new energy vehicle market, with over 56,000 units sold in the country.

This year alone, 30,650 BYD vehicles have been registered, accounting for more than 40% of Thailand’s EV market.

According to the Thai Automotive Association, around 76,000 EVs were registered in 2023, comprising 12% of all vehicle registrations.

Among Thailand’s top-selling brands, eight out of the ten leading companies are from China, with BYD’s Atto 3 and Dolphin models ranking first and third in sales, respectively.

The Denza D9 Premium will be available in exterior colors like white, blue, gray, and black, complemented by interior options in brown and beige.

The 2024 Denza D9 surpasses the most recent Toyota Alphard in overall size, offering a larger footprint. The Denza D9 measures 5,250mm in length, 1,960mm in width, and 1,920mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,110mm, while the Alphard is shorter at 4,995mm in length, narrower at 1,850mm, and slightly taller at 1,935mm, with a shorter wheelbase of 3,000mm.

These differences mean the Denza D9 should provide a more spacious interior, likely appealing to those seeking maximum cabin space and comfort in a luxury MPV.

These dimensions indicate that the Denza should offer spacious and comfortable interiors, designed for luxury and passenger comfort, making them direct competitors in the premium MPV segment.

The Denza D9 has three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants and two all-electric (EV) options, available in single or dual motor configurations.

PHEV models have an impressive range of 970km, 980km, and 1,050km, while the EV models achieve CLTC-rated ranges of 600km and 620km.

Denza’s EV entry into Thailand’s EV market aligns with the country’s push for broader EV adoption, reinforcing Denza’s position as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region and contributing to Thailand’s vision of an electrified automotive future.

With Denza’s recent expansion into Southeast Asia, we hope that the Denza D9 PHEV will make its way to the Malaysian market, where demand for eco-friendly but not completely fully electric vehicles is growing.

If introduced, the D9 PHEV would compete in a niche segment that blends luxury and green technology, offering a long driving range of up to 1,050km in PHEV variants, a significant draw for those looking for fuel savings without the range anxiety of a pure EV.

The question remains: would Malaysians buy it? The D9 PHEV’s appeal could hinge on its pricing and after-sales support, both of which are key factors in Malaysia’s competitive automotive market.

If priced within reach and supported by a reliable service network, the Denza D9 PHEV has potential to attract buyers seeking a premium, environmentally conscious MPV—especially those who prioritize family comfort, spaciousness, and the flexibility of hybrid power.

However, with strong competitors like the Toyota Alphard already entrenched, Denza would need to clearly communicate the value of its hybrid technology to gain traction in Malaysia’s premium MPV market.

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