JAKARTA, Indonesia (chinaevs.org) — Chinese automaker Wuling launched a new electric multipurpose vehicle, the Cortez DARION, at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on July 23, marking the vehicle’s global debut and a significant step in the company’s growth strategy in Southeast Asia.

Built on Wuling’s latest electric vehicle platform, the Cortez DARION incorporates the company’s “Sky, Smart, and Power” technologies. The model name is derived from Indonesian slang, meaning “a gift from Indonesia,” reflecting the car’s localized design and market focus.

Wuling, a joint venture between SAIC Motor, General Motors, and Liuzhou Wuling Motors, said it has sold more than 30 million vehicles globally, including 3 million electric models. In Indonesia, it has attracted over 160,000 customers, making it the country’s most popular Chinese car brand and the first to produce electric vehicles locally.

At the launch event, company executives highlighted the importance of the Indonesian market in Wuling’s global strategy. They said the DARION, positioned as a family-oriented MPV, has been tailored to meet local consumer preferences, with more than 10 features optimized based on user feedback.

The vehicle’s introduction has drawn attention from Indonesian media and dealers. Automotive publication Otomotif called the DARION “a new benchmark for MPVs,” while local dealers expressed confidence in its market potential following product and sales training.

Wuling’s expansion in Indonesia comes amid several milestones. In May, the company marked the production of its three millionth global electric vehicle and the 40,000th unit manufactured at its Indonesian facility. Earlier in July, Wuling celebrated its eighth year in the Indonesian market with updated versions of its MitraEV and BinguoEV models.

Since 2022, Wuling has launched four electric vehicles in Indonesia—Air ev, BinguoEV, CloudEV, and MitraEV—accumulating more than 40,000 sales and leading the country’s EV market.

With the DARION’s release, Wuling Indonesia is beginning a broader operational refresh, including updates to 50 dealerships across 11 cities, new partnerships with local businesses, and enhancements to customer service. The company also plans to expand into the commercial vehicle segment, supported by dedicated sales and finance teams.

Wuling said its long-term commitment to Indonesia includes deeper integration with local communities and continued investment in product development and service infrastructure.