JAKARTA, Indonesia — The 33rd GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show opened at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in BSD City with a clear signal that Southeast Asia is rapidly accelerating its transition toward zero-emission transportation.
CleanTechnica arrived after the media day and rushed through filing these stories. Running through Aug. 9, 2026, the exhibition serves as a critical barometer for the regional automotive sector, showcasing how dedicated battery electric vehicle manufacturers, high-profile regional debuts, and commercial fleet operators are reshaping a market historically dominated by internal combustion engines.
Among more than 65 participating automotive brands, pure electric models and performance-focused debuts are commanding top billing. Honda drew major attention at the exhibition floor by hosting the ASEAN debut of its Super-One compact electric hot hatch. The lightweight model features a dedicated steering-wheel Boost Mode button that temporarily increases power output to 95 horsepower, paired with a simulated seven-speed paddle-shift transmission and active sound synthesis designed to inject driver engagement into the urban electric vehicle experience. Earmarked with an initial production run of 100 units for the Indonesian market, the Super-One shared center stage with the Prelude sports hybrid concept.
Dedicated battery electric vehicle brands are leading volume growth alongside these flagship consumer debuts. Chinese, South Korean, and Vietnamese automakers in particular are using the event to establish a firm foothold in Indonesia, leveraging local assembly partnerships, specialized commercial platforms, and expanded charging infrastructure.
The brands that dominate in alphabetical order
BAIC officially launched the BAIC T1, expanding its Indonesian portfolio beyond traditional rugged SUVs into the highly competitive compact crossover segment. The launch followed a successful pre-booking campaign, with the company announcing official Indonesian pricing during GIIAS. The T1 is positioned to attract younger buyers seeking a modern urban SUV while broadening BAIC’s appeal beyond its established off-road customer base.
Beijing Automobile Works, or BAW, marked its formal entry into the Indonesian market by displaying a mix of electrified passenger and commercial utility vehicles. The brand introduced the M8 electric premium multi-purpose vehicle alongside the D5 new-energy vehicle and the T10 Pro new-energy light commercial truck, while outlining plans for local knock-down assembly operations.
BYD (they call it by its full name, Build Your Dreams, in Indonesia), continues to anchor the pure electric passenger segment in the region. The Shenzhen-based manufacturer presented its full consumer battery electric vehicle lineup, including the Dolphin compact hatchback, the Atto 3 crossover, the Seal sedan, and the M6 electric multi-purpose vehicle. The inclusion of the M6 highlights BYD strategy to target family transport needs in Southeast Asia, where multi-seater vehicles remain primary volume drivers for car buyers.
Changan made its Indonesian debut with the Deepal S05, introducing both a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) variant. The dual-powertrain strategy reflects the company’s flexible approach to electrification by offering consumers a choice between a fully electric model and a range-extended version that uses a small gasoline engine solely to generate electricity for the battery. The Deepal S05 also marks the arrival of Changan’s premium new-energy vehicle technology in Indonesia, providing an alternative for buyers who want the benefits of electric driving while minimizing concerns about charging infrastructure and long-distance travel.
Chery’s headline introduction was the Chery Q, a compact battery-electric hatchback aimed at Indonesia’s fast-growing affordable EV market. Available in Pure and Rizz variants, the vehicle offers up to 400 kilometers of NEDC range, DC fast charging capable of replenishing the battery from 30 to 80 percent in just 16.5 minutes, and an extensive list of technologies rarely found in its segment. These include 20 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, six airbags, Autonomous Parking Assist, a 540-degree panoramic camera, a 6.6-kW Vehicle-to-Load system, and an IP68-rated battery housed within a body constructed from 82 percent high-strength steel. The Chery Q reflects the growing trend among Chinese automakers of competing through intelligent technologies and safety features rather than price alone.
GAC Aion brought its dedicated urban electric platforms to the exhibition floor, focusing on high-efficiency urban hatchbacks and multi-passenger electric transport. Meanwhile, Stellantis-backed Chinese brand Leapmotor celebrated its formal Indonesian market debut by unveiling the B10 and C10 electric crossovers, marking another milestone in international joint-venture EV expansion into Southeast Asian right-hand-drive markets. Changan also marked its formal Indonesian brand entry, introducing right-hand-drive electric models to serve the growing local market.
Great Wall Motor expanded its New Energy Vehicle lineup with three major introductions at GIIAS 2026. The company unveiled the Ora 5 electric hatchback alongside two special editions of its off-road SUV lineup: the Tank 500 Diesel Black Warrior Edition and the Tank 300 Sand Beige Edition. The display highlighted GWM’s multi-brand strategy, combining battery-electric passenger vehicles with premium lifestyle SUVs while reinforcing its position across multiple market segments.
MG Motor showcased a diversified electrification strategy led by the launch of the ZS Hybrid+, a self-charging hybrid SUV combining a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a 136 PS electric motor, a 1.83-kWh battery, and a dedicated three-speed hybrid transmission. The company offered the model at an introductory price of IDR299.9 million for the first 1,000 buyers before reverting to its regular IDR329.9 million price. MG also continued promoting the MGS5 EV, its rear-wheel-drive electric SUV equipped with a 62.2-kWh battery offering up to 480 kilometers of NEDC range, while the Cyberster electric roadster returned with a new Irises Cyan exterior finish and technical refinements, reinforcing MG’s presence in both mainstream and premium electric mobility.
Vietnam based VinFast displayed one of the most comprehensive pure electric portfolios at the venue. The company showcased its core consumer crossovers and utility vehicles, including the VF 3, VF 6, and VF 7, alongside the VF MPV 7. Beyond retail consumer transport, VinFast introduced dedicated commercial electric variants engineered specifically for urban taxi and shuttle fleet operations, named the Nerio Green, Herio Green, and Limo Green. These commercial fleet vehicles are tied directly to the expansion of the V-GREEN regional charging ecosystem, aimed at solving charging availability across regional transit corridors.
Wuling introduced the Aira EV as the successor to its successful Air EV, signaling the brand’s continued focus on affordable urban electric mobility. While retaining the compact dimensions that made the Air EV popular in Indonesia, the Aira EV adopts a more practical four-door configuration, improving passenger access and everyday usability. The model represents Wuling’s next-generation entry-level EV strategy, targeting first-time electric vehicle buyers with an emphasis on practicality, accessibility, and city driving.
XPENG expanded its regional presence by focusing its exhibit on intelligent software integration under the theme Physical AI For All. The smart EV manufacturer displayed its flagship X9 luxury electric multi-purpose vehicle featuring rear-axle steering and 800-volt fast charging, alongside the G6 Pro midsize crossover. Last year, its debut in Indonesia, the brand utilized interactive exhibits to showcase its localized production footprint in Java and its autonomous driving software architecture, opting to emphasize production-ready road transport and software technology over futuristic flight concepts.
Zeekr, Geely Group premium electric subsidiary made its official exhibition entrance with high-end battery electric crossovers and sedans. Positioned in the luxury electric segment, Zeekr entry reflects growing confidence in consumer demand for premium electric mobility in major Indonesian urban centers.
An Indonesia EV brand
Indonesian electronics and mobility manufacturer Polytron made a major statement on home turf by unveiling the Polytron G3+ Special Collaboration electric SUV.
Known nationally for its consumer electronics and rapidly expanding electric motorcycle presence, Polytron showcased its four-wheel electric ambitions with a custom two-tone exterior, carbon Fiber accents, and integrated proprietary XBR Subwoofer audio hardware. Polytron also highlighted its Battery as a Service subscription model, which guarantees a 70 percent resale value after three years to lower adoption barriers for domestic electric vehicle buyers.
The Polytron electric SUV partnership bridges Chinese automotive engineering and local Indonesian manufacturing. The Polytron G3 and G3+ models are built directly on the platform of the Skyworth EV6, a vehicle produced by Chinese automaker Skyworth Auto and sold internationally under names like the Skywell ET5. Indonesian conglomerate Djarum Group, which owns Polytron, partnered with Skyworth to rebadge, re-engineer, and adapt the vehicle specifically for Southeast Asian consumers.
Under this arrangement, Polytron handles localized infotainment software, cabin interior refinements, service infrastructure, and custom audio integration utilizing its proprietary XBR Subwoofer technology. Production avoids full vehicle imports through a localized manufacturing strategy. The electric SUVs are assembled as knock-down units at the PT Handal Indonesia Motor facility in Purwakarta, West Java. Local supply chains play a central role in assembly, with Gotion High-Tech Indonesia providing the battery packs. This localized component strategy enables the Polytron G3 and G3+ to meet national manufacturing benchmarks, achieving a local content level of approximately 40 percent.
Local new comers and two wheelers
Local market newcomers and specialized utility brands also added depth to the pure electric roster. Indonesian brand Aletra introduced dedicated multi-passenger electric platforms intended for local assembly and fleet deployment. Chery dedicated pure-electric off-road sub-brand, iCAR, displayed its V27 adventure crossover, targeting utility and outdoor market segments. Solarky also made its show debut, displaying specialized new-energy vehicle technology tailored for commercial applications.
The two-wheeler and micro-mobility sectors mirrored this commercial and urban zero-emission momentum, featuring specialized electric motorcycle manufacturers. Indonesian companies ALVA and Polytron displayed their latest electric scooters alongside battery-swapping network updates. Specialized electric two-wheeler makers, including Pacific eBike, Exotic, Kupprum, and NUV, presented accessible urban commuter models aimed at reducing localized exhaust emissions in dense metropolitan traffic.
Small footprint mobility vehicles and devices contributed to the show floor with a mix of compact electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and specialized light commercial trucks, illustrating an automotive industry navigating a multi-track transition toward cleaner energy.
Commercial vehicles in the zero-emission shift
Zero-emission commercial vehicles and logistics fleets took on an expanded role at this year exhibition, reflecting a broader market realization that electrifying commercial transport yields immediate carbon and operational efficiency gains. Commercial vehicle manufacturers presented solutions spanning light delivery vans to heavy-duty industrial electric trucks and municipal buses.
Geely commercial logistics arm, Farizon, highlighted its growing presence in Southeast Asia by showcasing its Super Van electric platform alongside light-duty electric trucks and urban panel vans. Farizon electric commercial vehicles are built on dedicated by-wire chassis architectures designed to lower total cost of ownership by more than 50 percent compared to traditional diesel equivalents in urban last-mile delivery operations.
Smart Automated Group, operating as SAG, presented heavy-duty commercial electric bus platforms engineered for municipal transit systems and industrial factory shuttles, emphasizing energy efficiency and high-capacity route operations.
Wuling expanded its commercial footprint by displaying its Formo operational commercial platform, positioning its urban electric fleet vehicles as cost-effective tools for inner-city logistics and sales mobility.
Established Japanese commercial vehicle makers also demonstrated how commercial platforms are evolving to support modern business requirements but none have embrance electrification or even hybrids fully.
All-EV, multi-powertrain and hybrids from the legacy brands
While dedicated electric brands and commercial fleet operators claimed significant attention, established multi-powertrain manufacturers and legacy automakers demonstrated their own transitional strategies, heavily emphasizing hybrid powertrains to bridge current regional grid limitations.
Hyundai Motor Group (about to be a legacy brand) reinforced its commitment to local manufacturing by staging the premiere of its Neira electric multi-purpose vehicle prototype. Designed specifically for Southeast Asian markets, the three-row electric MPV targets high-density family transport and anchors Hyundai broader battery electric lineup, which includes the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and the large-format IONIQ 9 SUV. Sister brand Kia complemented the display with its expanded EV crossover portfolio.
Mitsubishi Motors introduced its first locally produced hybrid vehicle in Indonesia, the Xforce HEV, which pairs a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with a front electric motor to operate in electric-only, series, and parallel hybrid modes. Mitsubishi also displayed the Outlander plug-in hybrid alongside the new crossover.
Nissan highlighted its series-hybrid e-POWER technology in the X-Trail e-POWER with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive, alongside the Serena e-POWER family multi-purpose vehicle. In Nissan design, the internal combustion engine acts strictly as an onboard generator to charge the battery, leaving driving wheels entirely powered by electric motors. Many in the crowd and at the media center expected at least a display of the pure electric Sakura mini-EV (which is only available in right hand drive, and perfect for the Indonesia market) and the Ariya crossover. These vehicles were not displayed there. CleanTechnica sources at Nissan HQ said that the Sakura is now a domestic-market only model and keeping up with demand in Japan alone was already “a healthy problem.”
Toyota expanded its regional hybrid offerings with the official launch of the Land Cruiser HEV, combining a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor while maintaining full off-road capability. Toyota also displayed its pure-electric Hilux BEV commercial utility prototype to evaluate commercial fleet interest.