BYD has officially inaugurated its first manufacturing plant in Indonesia, marking a major step in the Chinese automaker’s regional expansion.
Located in West Java, the facility represents a total investment of approximately IDR 11.7 trillion, or around RM 2.6 billion. It has an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles.
Until now, all BYD models sold in Indonesia have been imported from China. With the plant now completed, local production (CKD) will gradually replace fully built-up (CBU) imports, helping the company avoid Indonesia’s steep vehicle import tariffs.
But the facility will not only serve the Indonesian market. It is also expected to become an important export hub for BYD, with a focus on right-hand-drive markets. Key destinations will include Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, as well as other RHD countries and regions in Africa.
Liu Xueliang, vice-president of BYD and general manager of its Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, said the company currently sells close to 100,000 vehicles annually in Indonesia. BYD is targeting sales of 200,000 units next year.
In July, BYD recorded wholesale sales of 6,569 vehicles in Indonesia. That placed it third behind Japanese brands Toyota and Daihatsu, while making BYD the best-selling Chinese automotive brand in the country.