BYD Denza Reports Robust D9 MPV Orders, While Li Auto Maintains Silence on Li Mega

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Denza Reports Strong Initial Orders for 2024 D9 MPV, While Li Auto Remains Silent on Li Mega

BYD Denza Reports Robust D9 MPV Orders, While Li Auto Maintains Silence on Li Mega - News - 1

In the first 12 hours after its launch, Denza’s 2024 D9 MPV secured an impressive 11,287 firm orders, as revealed by the company on Weibo. This positive response contrasts with Li Auto’s silence regarding orders for the Li Mega, leading to an approximately 18 percent drop in its shares since the MPV’s launch.

The practice of announcing initial orders serves as a crucial marketing tool for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, signifying the market’s reception of a new model. Typically, positive announcements correlate with strong model performance, while silence may hint at less favorable outcomes.

Denza’s upgraded D9, introduced at a launch event on March 6, garnered significant attention. The lineup includes the D9 DM-i with BYD‘s hybrid technology and the all-electric D9 EV. The seven-seat D9 DM-i, starting at RMB 339,800 ($47,200), saw a RMB 10,000 reduction from its predecessor, while the D9 EV, starting at RMB 379,800, witnessed a RMB 16,000 price drop. The model is also available as the hybrid D9 Pioneer, priced at RMB 606,000.

BYD Denza Reports Robust D9 MPV Orders, While Li Auto Maintains Silence on Li Mega - News - 2

On the other hand, Li Auto’s Li Mega, launched on March 1, is exclusively offered in the Max trim, priced at RMB 559,800—currently the company’s most expensive model. Despite Li Auto’s confidence in the Li Mega becoming a top seller in the Chinese market for models priced above RMB 500,000, the initial performance appears to be below expectations. While Li Xiang, Li Auto’s founder and CEO, initially suggested strong customer orders before the launch, the company has not disclosed the number of firm orders post-launch.

Several third-party sources indicate lower-than-expected Li Mega orders, with suggestions on Weibo indicating less than 4,000 firm orders in the first 72 hours. Li Auto’s Hong Kong-traded shares have witnessed an 18 percent decline since March 1, reflecting concerns over the Li Mega’s performance in the competitive BEV market.”

Please note: The information provided is based on the available data and reports, and the actual figures may vary.