Chinese EV Influx Could Boost Sales, But There's a Catch

KatadataOTO – Automotive brands from China are aggressively introducing new models to the Indonesian market. This strategy is claimed to be quite effective in attracting public interest in buying new cars.

Moreover, the prices of Chinese electric cars are becoming more competitive. This includes environmentally friendly vehicles like BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), also known as electric cars.

In the short term, throughout 2024, the top 10 EV wholesales (distribution from factory to dealer) were dominated by Chinese electric cars.

In first place is the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) BYD M6 with 6,124 units, followed by the Wuling BinguoEV with 5,156 units, and then the high-performance sedan BYD Seal with 4,828 units.

Photo : Special

Among the 10 models, only two are Korean products, namely the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric, contributing 1,561 units and 1,196 units, respectively.

Analysts believe that the influx of Chinese brands can have a positive impact on national car sales. But it must be accompanied by the development of supporting infrastructure.

“In the long run, price and the completeness of the ecosystem will determine electric car sales,” said Riyanto, an automotive analyst from LPEM (Institute for Economic and Social Research) UI when contacted by KatadataOTO some time ago.