CHINESE automotive manufacturer Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) has officially arrived in Indonesia. A number of BAIC cars were exhibited at the 2024 GIIAS event held in BSD, Tangerang, Banten.
The Chinese manufacturer was brought to Indonesia by automotive entrepreneur Jerry Hermawan Lo. Jerry was very impressed with jeeps. At the BAIC BJ40 and X55 price release event on Wednesday (17/07) at Hall 11 GIIAS 2024, Jerry, his nickname, revealed the reason he was amazed by jeeps.
“This car can be used anywhere, for daily use and even for extreme areas,” said Jerry.
Jerry explained the reason he dared to bring the car to Indonesia. He felt captivated while walking in China seeing BAIC. He tried to catch up with the car just to get a picture.
“At that time I saw a BJ80 on the road, I told my driver to chase the car. After seeing that, I immediately said to look for the company, look for the factory. We went to the factory,” he said with a cheerful face as he told the story.
In its home country, Bejing Automotive Industry Holding Co. or known as BAIC, is one of the largest car manufacturers in China.
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Bringing the brand into Indonesia was not an easy journey. Jerry Hermawan Lo had to convince the principal to bring his unit to the country.
The company, headquartered in Shunyi District, has a long history. BAIC was first established in 1958 in China, producing war vehicles, and operating under the name Beijing Automotive Works (BAW). However, it was not until 2013 that BAIC began its global operations, partnering with a number of well-known automotive companies.
It was not easy for him to bring BAIC to Indonesia, he had to make proposals repeatedly. Jerry’s persistence in bringing BAIC to Indonesia was not just to seek profit.
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He hopes that BAIC’s presence in the Indonesian electric car industry can have a positive impact on various sectors.
“We can’t go directly to the factory. I have to lobby many times, I send a company profile, coincidentally we have experience in the automotive industry, so the process is long,” said Jerry.
Currently, BAIC Group has raised its flag in Indonesia, under the auspices of PT JHL International Otomotif and now together with PT Handal Indonesia Motor (HIM) has signed an agreement to build an assembly plant, which will start in 2025. (Z-8)
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