KATHMANDU: China’s automaker BYD has launched a global teaser campaign for its upcoming Denza Z sports car, featuring Daniel Craig. The model will be sold under its premium brand Denza and is positioned to compete with the Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 911.
The Denza Z is scheduled to make its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2026. Ahead of the reveal, the company released a teaser image showing the car partially covered, with Craig standing alongside BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li.
Craig, known for portraying James Bond from 2006 to 2021, has been signed as the global face of Denza’s expansion campaign.
The brand clarified that the partnership does not involve the Bond character and is limited to promotional activities across marketing materials and television campaigns.
The campaign is part of Denza’s wider international expansion plan covering Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The company aims to strengthen its presence in premium EV segments traditionally dominated by European brands.
As part of this rollout, Denza will also introduce its flagship Denza Z9GT in Europe. The model is set to debut on April 8, 2026, at the Palais Garnier in Paris.
According to Stella Li, the partnership with Craig reflects the brand’s focus on combining performance, design, and advanced EV technology. Denza positions itself as a premium new-energy vehicle brand with European-influenced styling and in-house electric powertrain development.
The Denza Z marks the brand’s entry into the high-performance sports car segment as it seeks to compete with established global nameplates.
In Nepal, Cimex Inc. is set to introduce Denza models in the local market. The first model to launch will be the Denza D9 EV.
To support the brand’s entry, Cimex has already opened a dedicated Denza showroom in Naxal.
