BAIC strengthens expansion in Indonesia through NEVs
As the adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) increases in Indonesia, Chinese automotive brand BAIC plans to bring more environmentally friendly vehicle lines to the domestic market. The company will also expand its distribution and marketing network as part of its future business expansion strategy.
"The 78 per cent growth in Indonesia’s pure electric vehicle market (2021-2025) shows that NEVs are no longer just a trend, but the future direction of the automotive industry. We see this momentum as a great opportunity for BAIC to present an increasingly complete NEV portfolio," said PT JIO Distribusi Indonesia Chief Operating Officer Dhani Yahya, the brand holder agent for BAIC in Indonesia, in an official statement.
BAIC reported wholesale sales of 382 units during the first half of this year, surging 91 per cent compared to the same period last year. More than half of those sales came from its flagship hybrid SUV, the BAIC BJ30. After launching internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid cars, BAIC recently expanded its portfolio with the launch of its first pure electric car, the BAIC T1, while officially opening a pre-order programme from 9 July to 30 July.
According to Dhani, the launch of this electric car aims to strengthen BAIC’s position as a player in Indonesia’s NEV market, expand its customer base, enhance the company’s competitiveness, and drive sustainable market share growth. Going forward, the Chinese brand plans to continue adding to its NEV line-up in Indonesia, ranging from SUVs and sedans to MPVs. The company will also introduce vehicles with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) technology.
In addition, BAIC will expand its marketing and service network. The number of dealers is targeted to increase from 16 to 22 by the end of this year, with an expansion focus in the Greater Jakarta area. The network expansion will be accompanied by improvements in customer service quality, spare parts availability, and technician competency. BAIC reaffirmed its commitment to producing its vehicles locally. The BJ40 Plus model has been locally assembled at partner PT Handal Indonesia Motor’s plant in Purwakarta since the middle of last year. Other models will follow, particularly for the latest BAIC T1 electric car line, which is targeted to achieve up to 60 per cent local content by next year.