Besides Toyota and Daihatsu, another important brand that contributes to Indonesia’s booming automotive industry is Honda which has been exporting locally-assembled (CKD) models overseas since 1992.
The all-new 2022 Honda BR-V is spearheading PT Honda Prospect Motor’s (HPM) ambitions with 69 units bound on a boat for the Caribbean.
Aside from exporting to markets around Southeast Asia, the Indo-built BR-V will be exported to around 30 countries around the world. The latest markets to receive the all-new 7-seater crossover include Barbados, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The 69 units account for the first batch of exports to the West Indies while HPM plans to export 6,000 units of the BR-V worldwide in 2022.
Also read: The world embraces Indonesian-made cars as exports go up 37.7% in the first 8 months of 2021
For 30 years, HPM has exported vehicles and vehicle components to countries including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, South Africa, the Philippines, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Mexico, and Brazil.
Indonesia Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, hopes that HPM could help contribute to the country’s mission to export 1 million vehicles in total by 2025.
The previous BR-V was assembled in various countries around the world but this all-new generation will see Indonesia as the main production hub for the crossover. Its introduction in Malaysia, however, will be later because CKD production needs a longer lead time to prep plant and local suppliers against fully-imports (CBU).
Also read: Launching in Malaysia: 2022 Toyota Veloz, Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander previewed
According to Business Innovation and Sales & Marketing Director PT HPM, Yusak Billy, the BR-V’s next destinations later this year include Thailand, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Vietnam sales will only begin in 2023 as the country uses Euro 6 fuels.
Also read: 2022 Honda BR-V driven in Indonesia - Is it better than the Xpander and Avanza?