Inchcape shares commitment to support Indonesia’s new energy transition

JAKARTA, 27 September 2023 – Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Duncan Tait, Group Chief Executive, Inchcape Plc, met today at the Ministerial Office to discuss Inchcape’s commitment to help accelerate the adoption of new energy solutions in Indonesia.

Accompanied by Ruslan Kinebas, CEO, APAC, Inchcape Plc; and Khoo Shao Tze, President Director, Inchcape Indonesia; the high-level meeting underscored the vital role of new energy mobility in Indonesia’s future. Central to the discussions was Inchcape’s commitment to assembling Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) new energy vehicles in Indonesia, while integrating locally-sourced battery resources into the GWM unit assembly process, as well as Inchcape’s commitment to continuing Mercedes-Benz’s assembly in Indonesia. Inchcape also pledged its support and sponsorship for environmental initiatives and non-governmental organizations dedicated to driving positive change and creating a tangible environmental impact.

“Indonesia is a priority market for Inchcape,” emphasized Duncan Tait. “The immense potential and growing interest in new energy vehicles in Indonesia are key factors in our decision to increase our investment in Indonesia and become a key partner in the country’s journey towards the new energy era. This strategic step highlights Inchcape’s strong commitment to fostering infrastructure for the production and utilization of local resources and being a catalyst for the growth of the new energy vehicle industry in Indonesia.”

Minister Luhut has emphasized that building the new energy vehicle industry in Indonesia requires concerted efforts and well-crafted policies to drive market and industry development while attracting investments. Nurturing the new energy vehicle industry and securing investments will further accelerate Indonesia’s growth, especially in the new energy era.

“The transition to new energy is a shared responsibility between the government and our partners. Now is the time for Indonesia to move towards sustainable energy through new energy vehicles. Therefore, we really appreciate the initiatives of private sectors, such as Inchcape, to support the Government’s efforts to develop the new energy vehicle industry in Indonesia,” explained the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Present in Indonesia since 2021, Inchcape has been entrusted as the distributor in the premium mass to luxury segment for Jaguar, Land Rover, Harley-Davidson, Great Wall Motor (GWM) and starting October 2023, Mercedes-Benz, for which Inchcape will manage both the distribution and assembly operations. Notably, Mercedes-Benz operates a manufacturing plant in Wanaherang, Bogor, dedicated to assembling products for Indonesian consumers. Looking ahead, Inchcape aims to expand the manufacturing plant to assemble a broader range of NEV products, alongside Mercedes-Benz and GWM.