JAKARTA, Indonesia (chinaevs.org) — China’s SAIC Motor Corp. is accelerating its expansion in Southeast Asia, leveraging its presence in Indonesia to deepen regional integration and support its global strategy, the company said following a series of announcements and official meetings in May.
Wang Xiaoqiu, chairman of SAIC, joined Chinese Premier Li Qiang in a May 25 meeting with Chinese enterprises operating in Indonesia, where Wang highlighted SAIC’s business progress in the region and outlined next steps for its Southeast Asia strategy.
SAIC, one of the first Chinese automakers to localize vehicle production in Indonesia, has invested more than $1 billion in the country since entering the market in 2015. Its West Java plant, operated under the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, can produce up to 150,000 vehicles annually and now includes a battery assembly line and supplier park launched in 2024.
On May 23, SAIC celebrated the production of its 3 millionth new energy vehicle in Indonesia. The same day, its subsidiary Shenlian Battery began local production. The AirEV, SAIC’s flagship electric model, is the first mass-produced EV in Indonesia and has been used as an official vehicle during the G20 and ASEAN summits.
The company’s operations have directly created more than 3,000 jobs and indirectly supported over 10,000 positions. SAIC is also investing in workforce development through a partnership with Indonesia’s Muhammadiyah Group to establish a training center focused on electric vehicle technology and smart connectivity.
Beyond Indonesia, SAIC is developing a regional strategy linking Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Its first overseas dual-brand showroom — combining Wuling and MG models — opened in Jakarta in partnership with Sichuan Zhicheng Group. MG has sold more than 220,000 vehicles in Thailand, and local assembly of Wuling new energy vehicles is set to begin in Malaysia.
SAIC’s logistics arm, Anji Logistics, launched the “Anji Ansheng” car carrier earlier in May. With a capacity of 9,500 vehicles, it is the largest ship of its kind and part of a plan to expand the fleet to 22 ships by 2026. The fleet will support exports to key markets including Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Battery safety and standardization are central to SAIC’s regional strategy. The locally produced Shenlian batteries meet advanced safety thresholds, designed to withstand extreme conditions including puncture and gunfire without risk of fire or explosion.
SAIC reported overseas sales of over 5.5 million vehicles by the end of 2024, leading Chinese car exporters for eight consecutive years and surpassing 1 million overseas sales annually since 2021. Its MG brand ranks among the top 10 in more than 20 countries and has sold nearly 3 million units abroad.
The company said its global approach has evolved from simple exports to full-scale local operations and technology integration. Its “Glocal Strategy,” launched in 2025, combines global product innovation with local market adaptation. SAIC’s i-Smart system, for instance, supports nearly 50 languages and is customized for different climates and usage needs.
SAIC plans to introduce 17 new models internationally over the next three years, including SUVs, sedans, MPVs and pickups, many featuring hybrid or solid-state battery technology.
The company said its approach — integrating manufacturing, supply chains, technology and workforce development — is helping shape a new model for the globalization of China’s automotive industry.
