New Honda President Reveals Principal's Plans for Electric Vehicles in Indonesia

Honda Prospect Motor is beginning to signal its direction towards electrification in Indonesia. However, the company emphasises that the final decision is still in the calculation stage.

The new President Director of Honda Prospect Motor (HPM), Masanao Kataoka, stated that the government’s push for electric vehicles is an important factor. He assessed that the direction of this policy must be taken seriously by automotive manufacturers.

“Indonesia has also started promoting electrification, so we certainly need to follow that direction,” said Masanao at the Presidential Handover Ceremony HPM at the HPM Sunter office on Monday (30/3/2026).

He explained that Honda already has global experience in introducing electrified vehicles. This serves as the initial capital before expanding the market in Indonesia.

“We already have hybrid model examples, so now we are considering how to introduce those models in Indonesia,” he said.

The expansion of electrified vehicles remains part of Honda’s long-term plans. However, its implementation will be adjusted to the conditions of each country.

“We want to expand electrified models going forward,” he said.

Masanao acknowledged that he is still studying the behaviour of the Indonesian market, especially since he was only inaugurated as HPM’s President Director today. Therefore, strategic decisions cannot be made in the near future.

“I do not yet know the actual conditions of the Indonesian market because I only arrived a few days ago,” he said.

Honda will first gather comprehensive market data. This step is considered important to minimise risks.

“We will examine market conditions and then consider our strategy,” he said.

Regarding global issues, Masanao assured that strategy changes in the United States do not directly impact Indonesia. He emphasised that the approach remains global.

“Basically, no. We still consider electric vehicle strategies globally,” he said.

According to him, the policy direction from the head office will be the main reference. However, implementation will still consider local conditions.

“The head office is thinking about how to introduce electrification worldwide,” he said.

He assured that Honda will soon provide clarity on the strategy once the study process is complete. Transparency to the public is also the company’s commitment.

“As soon as possible, we will determine the direction, and at that time we will share it,” he said.