VinFast recently introduced its right-hand drive versions of its car models at the 2024 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS 2024). This event marks an important milestone for the company in conquering the international market, especially right-hand drive markets.
VinFast brought almost all of its popular electric car models, including VF 5, VF 6, VF e34, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9, to the event. This event not only caught the attention of consumers in Vietnam but also attracted the interest of many international news outlets.
Some images of VinFast cars at IIMS 2024 exhibition.
After the event, many Indonesian newspapers reported on it. JawaPos, Maketeers, Gatra, CNN Indonesia, Jakarta Globe… are some notable news outlets. In addition, some specialized websites such as Detik, Otodriver (car website), Financial Times (economic website), Tech in Asia (technology website) also covered the news.
Not only Indonesian websites, but international news agencies like MENAFN (Middle East), Tech Node (China) also showed interest in the event. Alongside the articles, some publications such as Detik and Kompas (both from Indonesia) also published a series of photos from the event.
Screenshots of some articles from foreign newspapers about VinFast’s participation in IIMS 2024.
Alongside the event coverage, many news websites also provided and revealed lesser-known details.
In their article, Wapcar mentioned that VinFast’s factory in Indonesia will be located in Bekasi City, West Java – this information was not previously mentioned. However, before this factory officially operates, VinFast will import completely built-up cars from Vietnam.
Wapcar also revealed that the Indonesian factory will not only produce cars for this country but also for export to other countries, including Malaysia. This information seems to have not been officially confirmed; Wapcar also noted that there is no specific timeline for launching in these new markets.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo signs on the hood of a VinFast car at the exhibition. Photo: VinFast
Also reporting on VinFast’s factory in Indonesia, automotive website Otomotif stated that the Minister of Industry of Indonesia, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, had a meeting with VinFast’s leadership to discuss investment in Indonesia.
According to this website, Deputy General Director of Production Block of VinFast, Pham Nhat Quan Anh, CEO of VinFast Indonesia and Malaysia Tran Quoc Huy, SM Green Director Nguyen Van Thanh also attended the meeting.
The Minister of Industry of Indonesia said on January 13: “VinFast is looking for a suitable area to set up a factory in Indonesia. This area needs an area of about 240 hectares.” This information has not been widely known.
Inside VinFast’s factory in Hai Phong. Photo: VinFast
Antara News quoted Indonesian President Joko Widodo as saying that the government of the country currently does not have plans to increase investment in electric vehicles. However, the Indonesian government is still committed to promote reduction of VAT for electric cars.
The Indonesian President stated that the goal is for all electric vehicle production activities to take place in the country. He said: “I think this will boost sales, and later on, it will also promote the development of electric vehicle factories in Indonesia. That’s the direction, and then, we will be capable of competing with other countries.”
Another interesting piece of information to note is that Antara News previously reported on January 29 that VinFast may bring its VinBus electric buses to the IIMS 2024 exhibition. The website quoted Business Director Surachman Nugroho at VinFast Indonesia as saying: “We will exhibit VinBus electric buses at the outdoor area of IIMS 2024.”
However, after the IIMS 2024 exhibition took place, VinFast did not provide any information about exhibiting electric buses at the event.
An article from Antara with information about VinBus potentially appearing at IIMS 2024.
Charging infrastructure is always a topic that goes hand in hand with electric vehicles.
In the event article, Republika mentioned that VinFast plans to collaborate with partners to build charging stations in Indonesia. Developing electric vehicle charging stations in Indonesia will be a solution that helps users feel confident and comfortable when using electric vehicles.
However, VinFast has not officially announced any information regarding plans to develop charging stations in Indonesia.
