Chery Tiggo 8 CSH Begins Local Assembly, Launches This Year

KatadataOTO – PT CSI (Chery Sales Indonesia) has begun preparations for the launch of its newest product, the Tiggo 8 CSH. The hybrid car model PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) will be assembled domestically.

It should be noted that Chery utilizes the assembly facility of PT HIM (Handal Indonesia Motor), which previously assembled Chery's eco-friendly vehicle lineup such as the Omoda E5 and J6.

PT CSI is confident that the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH will be in demand by consumers. This is one of the reasons the manufacturer is locally producing their newest model.

However, PHEVs are still considered rare in Indonesia. But Chery intends to make the Tiggo 8 CSH one of the backbones of its sales in Indonesia in the future.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“Production has already started this month. In the initial stage, we are producing quite a lot because we will be launching the car soon,” said Budi Darmawan, Sales Director of PT CSI, when met in North Jakarta some time ago.

However, he was reluctant to disclose in detail the number of units that will be produced. But the number is claimed to be sufficient for a start.

“We will increase (the production volume) gradually while observing the market response,” said Budi.

He further explained that the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH could become a contributor to Chery's domestic sales.

Chery's first hybrid SUV is touted to be the cheapest PHEV in Indonesia in the future.

With its CKD (Completely Knocked Down) status, the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH has a high chance of being offered with a price tag under IDR 1 billion.

This makes it an attractive option, as all PHEVs in the country are currently sold for IDR 1 billion and above.

The alternative is a conventional hybrid car whose battery cannot be charged, and there is no additional cruising range from the battery and electric motor.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“Just wait for it (the price). But the Tiggo 8 CSH will be a breakthrough, once again a very good alternative for the Indonesian people,” Budi affirmed.

For your information, the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH is equipped with a 1,500 cc turbo engine combined with hybrid technology. The car is claimed to be able to produce 239 hp and a peak torque of 215 Nm.

The performance is also supported by an additional 18.3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, offering an extra cruising range of 90 km in full EV mode without any assistance from the gasoline engine.