Japanese Electric Cars Are Gaining Ground, With China's Influence Behind It

KatadataOTO – It is undeniable that Japanese manufacturers are struggling to compete in the era of electrification. Electric cars from China are increasingly proliferating and offering various advantages.

In China, a number of Japanese manufacturers have finally entered into collaborations or joint ventures with local companies.

This decision has proven to have a positive impact. It was recently reported that the Toyota bZ3X electric car has become one of the best-selling non-Chinese models in the land of the bamboo curtain.

The bZ3X electric car is a result of a collaboration between Toyota and GAC. As part of the bZ series, its design still adopts the characteristics of other Toyota models like the bZ4X and the latest Prius.

Photo : GAC Toyota

Since March 2025, Carscoops has reported that more than 20,000 units of the Toyota bZ3X have been delivered to consumers.

It was also mentioned that a competitive price is the main weapon for the Toyota bZ3X to attract consumers. In China, this electric car is priced starting from 109,800 yuan (approx. IDR 248.9 million).

That figure is a far cry from the Toyota bZ4X, which is currently offered at around IDR 1.1 billion to Indonesian consumers.

The embedded features are capable, like those in the latest Chinese electric cars. The 430 Air+, Pro, and Pro+ variants are equipped with a Lidar sensor, which is an added value for consumers.

Interestingly, the Toyota bZ3X uses the GAC Aion V platform, which is already sold in Indonesia for around IDR 400 million.

Not only Toyota, Nissan has also followed a similar path and reaped positive results. This manufacturer has collaborated with Dongfeng Motor.

Generally, cars from joint ventures with Chinese manufacturers are sold exclusively there. However, Nissan later decided to offer models like the Nissan N7 for export to several countries, including Southeast Asia.

Opportunities for Similar Cooperation in Indonesia

Toyota has affirmed that they are open to various similar cooperation opportunities to produce products that meet consumer needs, just like the bZ3X in China.

Photo : GAC Toyota

“We will try to map it out together later. The point is, what we can do, we will do. But don't forget, it's not just cooperation for the domestic market, but also globally,” said Bob Azam, Vice President Director of PT TMMIN (Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia) in Jakarta some time ago.

Responding to the possibility of the Toyota bZ3X being sold in Indonesia, he revealed that there are several things to consider.

“We have to think about it (importing or local assembly), and also study our consumers. What happens in China is not necessarily going to be successful here,” he said.