Indonesia Only a Supporter, Jetour Chooses to Build R&D in Malaysia

KatadataOTO – Jetour plans to build an Asia Pacific Research and Development (R&D) center in Malaysia. This move is interesting because the Chinese manufacturer is a relatively new entrant compared to its presence in Indonesia and Thailand.

Reported by Paultan, the presence of this facility is expected to facilitate vehicle development in the Asia Pacific region. Interestingly, the Jetour Malaysia R&D center will also receive input from Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia to better tailor cars to local needs.

Not only that, they also plan to make Malaysia the center for Jetour in Southeast Asia. The company will build its own factory within the next five years, and its products will be exported to Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.

The planned investment value is also very large. For R&D alone, they are prepared to spend up to RM 216 million, equivalent to IDR 809.7 billion.

Photo : Paultan

However, when Jetour first entered Indonesia, they expressed a desire to open their own factory within five years. The company even planned to make the country a production hub for right-hand drive vehicles.

KatadataOTO has contacted Jetour Indonesia regarding the company's reasons for choosing Malaysia. Unfortunately, as of the writing of this news, they have not yet responded.

Inaugurates Production Facility in Malaysia

It should be noted that Jetour has just inaugurated its production facility in Malaysia. They have partnered with Berjaya Assembly Sdn Bhd, the owner of the Johor Plant, which produces for Chery, Changan, Dongfeng, Honda, and Hyundai.

Jetour will first bring in 100 units of the Dashing as CBU (Completely Built-Up) as an introduction to the Malaysian public. After that, CKD (Completely Knocked-Down) components will be sent next month.

This method is actually also used by Jetour in Indonesia. They are collaborating with PT Handal Indonesia Motor to produce the X70 Plus and Dashing.

Photo : Paultan

This strategy is adopted to make the vehicle's selling price more affordable and attract public interest. The manufacturer has also committed to opening a number of sales networks and official workshops in major cities across Indonesia.

Thus, it is hoped that it will be easier for the public to make purchases and perform regular maintenance.