"Today, there may only be an internal combustion engine (ICE), but in future, there will be hybrid and electric vehicles," he stated at the Daihatsu Assembly Plant groundbreaking ceremony here on Thursday.
Widodo said the ministry lauded Daihatsu for making Indonesia its production base outside Japan.
He attributed this achievement to the government's efforts to remain proactive in creating a conducive investment climate for businesspersons, so as to attract national and global investors to invest.
He remarked that PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) had significantly contributed to growth of the automotive industry in Indonesia.
In 2022, ADM had exported 473 thousand vehicles, or constituting nearly 30 percent of Indonesia's total automotive exports.
According to Widodo, this also demonstrated Daihatsu's commitment to continually playing an active role in developing the motor vehicle industry in Indonesia.
He is also upbeat that ADM would continue to innovate and contribute actively to the development of the automotive industry, especially in the electric vehicle sector.
"Hopefully, all of this would strengthen its position as one of the largest manufacturers of four-wheeled vehicles in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, even in the world," he stated.
Meanwhile, ADM's Marketing Director and Director of Corporate Planning & Communication Sri Agung Handayani revealed that they were currently conducting research on the development of electric vehicle technology, both for four-wheeled hybrid vehicles or full electric vehicles (EV).
He said Astra Daihatsu Motor would focus on producing vehicles that match market needs and customer aspirations.
He ensured that ADM remains committed to contributing to support the government in accelerating the use of electric vehicles for modes of transportation.
"I want both, but in its development, we will see which one is more priority for customer needs. The point is we are also committed to the government (for electrification)," Handayani remarked.
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Translator: Adimas Raditya Fahky P, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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