Geely Farizon has started operations at its knock-down (KD) assembly plant in Indonesia, marking the commercial new energy vehicle division’s first overseas localized production project. The first locally assembled V8E battery-electric logistics vehicle rolled off the production line on Aug. 13.
The facility is located about 80 kilometres southeast of Jakarta and currently supports local assembly of the V8E. Geely Farizon said it plans to upgrade the production lines and gradually expand the range of vehicles assembled locally.
V8E Enters Local Assembly
The V8E produced at the Indonesian facility has been configured for local urban roads, logistics applications and tropical conditions.
The electric logistics vehicle has an 8.5-cubic-metre cargo compartment and an all-electric range of more than 400 kilometres.
Geely Farizon is positioning the V8E for urban last-mile deliveries, urban-rural freight transport and intra-city logistics operations.
The roll-off ceremony was attended by Mike Fan, CEO of Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group; Hartono Sohor, chairman of Indonesia’s Arista Group; and Denny Siregar, president director of Handal Indonesia Motor.
KD Production Supports Localization
The KD production model allows vehicles to be assembled locally rather than imported as fully built units.
Geely Farizon said the approach can shorten delivery times, simplify supply chains and reduce operating costs. The company also cited the increasing importance of localization in Southeast Asia as tariffs and local production requirements develop.
“Geely Farizon does not merely export vehicles to Indonesia. We aim to take root in the country, integrate into local industrial chains and build sustainable local-based capacity together with Indonesian partners,” said Mike Fan, CEO of Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group.
Fan said the company intends to develop local capabilities covering vehicles, production, supply chains and after-sales services.
Geely Farizon Expands Indonesian Presence
Geely Farizon entered Indonesia in January in partnership with Arista Group, initially launching its SV model in the market.
In April, the company displayed the V7E and a 16-seat passenger version of the SV at a local commercial vehicle exhibition.
The V8E subsequently made its overseas debut at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show in late July.
Geely Farizon described the Indonesian KD project as a strategic base for its expansion across ASEAN markets.
Commercial Vehicle Strategy Extends Beyond Indonesia
Geely Farizon is also pursuing larger-scale commercial vehicle and autonomous driving projects in China.
In June, the company announced a partnership with Cao Cao Mobility, Geely’s ride-hailing subsidiary, with a target of deploying a cumulative 100,000 T6 robovans by 2030.
Geely Farizon is also working with autonomous driving company WeRide on vehicles for automated taxi applications. The companies plan to deliver 2,000 GXR vehicles in 2026, with an upgraded version scheduled to enter production in the third quarter.
The Indonesian assembly operation adds a local manufacturing component to Geely Farizon’s broader commercial vehicle expansion strategy, while the V8E provides the initial locally assembled product.
