China’s EV Surge Redefines GIIAS as Japanese Brands Play Catch-Up
Jakarta. Chinese auto manufacturers are set to outnumber their long-dominant Japanese counterparts at Indonesia’s largest automotive exhibition this week, marking a significant shift in the country’s car market landscape driven by the surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
The 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), which opens Thursday at the International Convention and Exhibition Center in Serpong, Tangerang, will feature more than 120 car models, with a strong emphasis on EVs and future mobility.
According to the event organizer, 14 Chinese car brands will participate -- each showcasing electric vehicle lineups -- compared to 11 Japanese brands. This reflects China’s growing foothold in the Indonesian automotive market, particularly in the EV segment.
“They will present a wide range of innovations, new technologies, and other automotive solutions for visitors,” said GIIAS 2025 organizing committee chairman Rizwan Alamsjah.
In total, more than 50 car manufacturers and 20 motorcycle producers will take part in the exhibition, alongside 120 companies in supporting industries such as parts and accessories.
The rise of Chinese brands coincides with Indonesia’s expanding EV market. The Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo) reported that EVs accounted for 10 percent of total car sales in the first half of 2025 -- doubling from 5 percent in the same period last year.
While many Japanese manufacturers remain cautious about rolling out EVs in Indonesia, Chinese brands are making aggressive inroads with extensive electric lineups ranging from sedans to SUVs.
Chinese Carmakers and Expected Launches:
- BAIC: BJ30 Hybrid
- BYD: Yangwang U9, Denza Z9 GT, BYD Atto 1 (Seagull)
- Chery: Lepas L8, New model
- DFSK & Seres: Seres 3
- Geely: 3 new models
- Jaecoo: J7 Series, J8 Ardis, J5 EV
- Jetour: X50e (electric car), T2 (off-road)
- MG: 2 new models
- Xpeng: Flying car, New SUV
Japanese Carmakers and Expected Launches:
- Daihatsu: Rocky Hybrid
- Honda: STEP WGN e:HEV, 2 new EV models
- Isuzu: Traga 50th Edition (limited), New MU-X
- Mazda: New Large SUV, New Small SUV
- Mitsubishi: Destinator
- Nissan: C-SUV, Formula E Gen3 race car
- Subaru: New SUV
- Suzuki: New EV model
- Toyota: New EV model, New GR HEV
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