Jakarta. Japanese automaker Mitsubishi plans to produce electric microvan Minicab-MiEV in Indonesia starting next year to tap growing domestic demand in the company’s ambition to pioneer electric commercial vehicle markets in the country, an executive said on Friday.

Introduced in the country during the 2021 international auto show, the commercial vehicle model has “undergone intensive market test”, said Hikaru Mii, the director of the product strategy division of the local unit Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI).

"The production of Minicab-MiEV will begin in early 2024 with an initial concentration on the Indonesian market," Mii said during the Indonesia International Motor Show at the Jakarta International Expo.

He said the model offers great cost-saving operations, spacious cargo space, an ideal turning radius for cramped streets, better traction, and improved acceleration.

Minicab-MiEV has a quoted range of 150 kilometers.

"Starting with this model, we will soon build a brand new electric commercial vehicle market in Indonesia," Mii said.

MMKSI President Director Naoya Nakamura said Minicab-MiEV has undergone a market test involving five major companies in Indonesia to support the new business development.

The research partners include state-run postal company Pos Indonesia and transport and delivery service companies like Haleyora Power, Gojek, and DHL Supply Chain in Jakarta, in addition to tourist company Be Sanur in Bali, Nakamura said.

He claimed that the test brought “satisfactory results” with reported operational effectiveness and efficiency by the partners.

Mitsubishi will build Minicab-MiEV at its assembly plant in the West Java town of Karawang.