The Indonesian Post
One of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, Volkswagen (VW), has announced plans to commence the production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Indonesia starting in 2026. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to the Indonesian market while also supporting the government's efforts to develop an electric vehicle industry ecosystem and enhance competitiveness in the national market. This information was shared by Badawi Marsahan, Head of Sales at Volkswagen Indonesia, during a meeting with Kompas.com at ICE BSD, Tangerang, on Friday, November 22, 2024. "In 2026, we will begin production of the ID Buzz at the PT National Assemblers factory located in Cikampek, West Java. This represents a new investment," he stated. "The same factory is responsible for assembling the Tiguan AllSpace," he added. Badawi explained that the choice of the ID Buzz as the first model to be produced in Indonesia was influenced by the positive public response following its introduction at the GIIAS 2024 event. This product, which is an evolution of the VW Combi, also embodies the original values of the VW brand. Utilizing the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform, the vehicle is priced at IDR 1.3 billion. The ID Buzz is equipped with a 79 kWh battery installed in the vehicle's floor for space efficiency and stability. Its electric motor generates a power output of 207.1 horsepower and a peak torque of 560 Nm. "Currently, orders for the ID Buzz have exceeded 200 units, with delivery times extending to June-July 2024," Badawi noted. However, during the same occasion, he refrained from disclosing the amount of investment allocated for the factory's development to facilitate electric vehicle production in the next two years. Previously, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir indicated that the government is actively seeking to attract investments from global automotive companies such as VW and Ford. Furthermore, it was reported that President Prabowo Subianto would be directly involved, coinciding with his working visit to several countries ahead of the G20 Summit in Brazil.