Denza, BYD's premium electric-vehicle brand, has officially become the designated vehicle provider for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, with the first batch of vehicles handed over at BYD's headquarters in Shenzhen on October 22, according to PCauto. The fleet will transport delegates, delegation members, and media from 21 economies during the November 2026 meeting, which will be held in Shenzhen for the first time.
The initial dispatch includes dozens of Denza D9 and Denza N9 vehicles adorned with official APEC markings. In total, Denza will deploy nearly 700 vehicles to cover the entire summit period, with the D9 accounting for more than 600 units, making it the backbone of the fleet. The handover marks the start of operational readiness for the summit's transportation needs.
Second-generation Denza D9 in the spotlight
The event also serves as a real-world test for the second-generation Denza D9, a luxury MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) available in both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric (BEV) versions. The PHEV variant combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for extended range, while the BEV runs solely on battery power. The D9 features a seven-seat layout with independent airline-style rear seats offering multi-way electric adjustment, massage, and leg rests, alongside enhanced noise insulation for long-distance comfort.
Safety is a key focus, with a high-rigidity body structure, multiple airbags including side and curtain units, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features aim to meet the high standards expected for official summit transportation.
Proven track record in international events
The Denza D9 has a strong market history, with cumulative sales exceeding 350,000 units since its 2022 launch. It has been China's best-selling MPV for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025, and was ranked first in the 2026 Hurun China New Energy MPV Brand Top 10 list. This is not Denza's first involvement in major international gatherings; in 2026 alone, the D9 has served the Boao Forum for Asia, the China-ASEAN Expo, the Summer Davos Forum, and the APEC Forestry Ministers' Meeting.
With the summit approaching, the nearly 700-vehicle fleet will test Denza's full-cycle logistics and maintenance capabilities. The remaining vehicles are scheduled for delivery and deployment in the coming months, ensuring the brand is fully prepared to support one of the region's most significant diplomatic events.
