Chinese EV BYD Surges in Indonesia With Record EV Imports and Soaring Sales

Chinese EV giant BYD became Singapore’s top-selling car brand in early 2025, surpassing Toyota and far outpacing Tesla, as it accelerates international expansion amid fierce domestic price wars.
BYD electric cars waiting to be loaded on a ship stacked at the international container terminal of Taicang Port at Suzhou Port, in China’s eastern Jiangsu Province. (Photo: AFP)

Chinese EV electric vehicle (EV) makers, led by BYD, are accelerating their presence in Indonesia with an import-heavy strategy, challenging legacy brands in the country’s rapidly expanding EV segment.

While Japan still dominates the overall market, China’s entry, particularly through fully built-up units, reshapes the conversation around what comes next.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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