CKD Wuling Air EV begins production at RM 4.5 billion Indo plant, overseas exports planned

Wuling is one of the biggest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in the world and is famous for its cute micro EV, the Hongguang Mini EV. However, that little tike is only available in China which makes the Wuling Air EV its global micro-EV model.

Production for the Air EV has just begun this week in Cikarang, Indonesia. The archipelago is also where the micro-EV made its global debut in June 2022.

Wuling has become a surprising success in Indonesia ever since it entered the market back in 2015 with around 90,000 customers to date. The introduction of the Air EV is both a testament to making the archipelago its hub for some key models as well as aiding in the development of its EV industry.

Also read: Indonesia leads SEA in EV adoption, research by Nissan suggests

“The Wuling Air EV is the latest battery electric vehicle (BEV) developed by Wuling for Indonesia and the global market,” said Shi Guoyang, President-Director of Wuling Motors Indonesia in a statement. “We are proud of this Indonesian-produced EV that has the quality to be able to compete with rivals in the domestic market as well as abroad.”

Also read: The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is so cheap, because it's made using stuff you can find at home

Wuling has invested around USD 1 billion (~RM 4.5 billion) in the Cikarang plant which also assembles the Almaz and Cortez 7-seaters. The plant now consists of 4 production facilities that are integrated with a supplier park in an area of 60 hectares. The facilities include a press shop, a body shop, a paint shop, and the general assembly.

Also read: 2021 Wuling Almaz RS launched in Indonesia – Will block Proton X70's export dreams

That said, even though the Air EV is locally-assembled (CKD) in Indonesia, estimated prices for the Air EV are between IDR 250 million to 300 million (~RM 74k – 89k) which is more expensive than the Myvi’s Indonesian twin, the Daihatsu Sirion.

Also read: Pricier than the Myvi's Indo twin, could the Wuling Air EV kickstart Indonesia's EV revolution?

That might not deter some early adopters though who see the Air EV as a secondary car around the city as it will be the cheapest EV on sale in Indonesia. The micro-EV is planned to be introduced overseas though Malaysia might not be on the cards since Wuling has no presence here.

Also read: Made in Indonesia vehicle exports increase a whopping 167% in the first half of 2022!

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Wuling and a subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings was announced but that was two years ago and the hive remains quiet since. Could there even be plans for another Chinese carmaker to enter our market behind closed doors?