GWM Maintains Diesel Focus Ahead of PHEV Plans

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) trend is gaining traction in Indonesia’s automotive market. Several manufacturers are now offering not only conventional hybrid vehicles but also PHEV models as an alternative for electrification.

GWM Indonesia has also opened the possibility of introducing PHEV models to the domestic market, including the GWM Tank 300 and GWM Tank 500.

Thio Adynata, Senior PR Manager at GWM Indonesia, stated the company is currently conducting studies on Indonesian consumers’ needs for various vehicle technologies.

He noted that for now, GWM still views diesel engines as one of the most relevant options for the Indonesian market, particularly in the large SUV segment.

However, globally, GWM adheres to the philosophy of ‘all scenarios, all powertrains, all users’, meaning the Chinese manufacturer offers a range of vehicle technologies tailored to consumer needs and varying terrain conditions.

‘That means we have vehicles capable of handling any terrain, along with a variety of powertrain options,’ Thio explained.

He added that powertrain development is rapidly evolving, encompassing internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and hydrogen technology globally.

‘PHEV may be considered, but we will first assess the study results. Currently, our focus is on understanding consumer preferences,’ Thio said.