Denza Eyes Own Car Finance in Europe by 2027 — A Gamble on Unknown Resale Values

Denza, BYD’s premium brand, is considering launching its own vehicle-financing operation in Europe, possibly as early as 2027, according to a Bloomberg report. The move would let the Chinese automaker offer loans and leases directly alongside its cars, mirroring the in-house finance arms long run by BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The ambition is clear. But there’s a critical obstacle: Denza has no track record for used-car prices in Europe. It only made its continental debut in Paris this April, and its resale value is untested. Running a financing business means funding the loans, checking borrowers, absorbing defaults, and forecasting what a Z9 GT will fetch three years from now. That last number is pure speculation for a brand with zero European history.

A partnership with an existing lender would be the safer path, and the report says no structure has been decided yet. Nobody knows who would own the financing arm or which banks might be involved.

The timing is nonetheless bold. BYD already owns 3.1 percent of the EU, EFTA, and UK car market, up from 1.4 percent, per ACEA data. Chinese brands collectively grabbed a record 11.7 percent of European registrations in August, an 111 percent jump year over year. BYD first overtook Tesla in Europe in 2025 and shows no sign of slowing.

Denza started as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz before BYD bought it out. Its first models outside China are the Z9 GT electric shooting brake and the D9 plug-in hybrid minivan. The company says it will reach more than 30 European countries with over 150 outlets by the end of 2026.