Geely's Indonesian Gambit: Local EX2 Production to Shake Up EV Market

JAKARTA, Indonesia – January 26, 2026 – Chinese automotive giant Geely Auto has dramatically escalated its ambitions in Southeast Asia, launching its best-selling Geely EX2 electric vehicle in Indonesia and simultaneously commencing local assembly. The move, announced today in Jakarta, signals a pivotal shift from simple product importation to a deep, strategic commitment to one of the world's most promising and competitive electric vehicle markets.

This isn't just another car launch. It's a calculated play that integrates a globally proven product with a robust local manufacturing strategy, positioning Geely to challenge established players and capitalize on Indonesia's surging demand for sustainable urban transport.

A Proven Winner Hits the Streets

The Geely EX2, known in its home market as the Galaxy Xingyuan, arrives in Indonesia with a formidable track record. In 2025, it didn't just top the EV charts in China; it became the best-selling passenger car across all categories, moving an astounding 460,000 units. Since its debut in late 2024, total sales have already surpassed 530,000. This phenomenal success wasn't confined to its domestic market. Following a launch in Brazil in November 2025, the EX2 rapidly climbed the charts to become the country's second best-selling electric vehicle within just 16 working days, immediately establishing Geely as a major contender in the South American market.

Designed as a "Smart Space Urban Car," the EX2 targets the core of the urban market: young professionals and modern families seeking a blend of expressive design, intelligent features, and a responsive driving experience. Its success in diverse markets like China and Brazil suggests a formula with broad appeal, which Geely is now betting will resonate with Indonesian consumers. The vehicle's arrival follows the local production of two other Geely models, the Starray EM-i and the EX5, solidifying the EX2 as the third pillar in the company's Indonesian manufacturing lineup.

Tailored for the Urban Jungle

Geely's strategy goes beyond just assembling a popular car locally. The company emphasizes that the Indonesian version of the EX2 has been specifically adapted to the unique challenges of the country's driving environment. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient, Geely has implemented comprehensive chassis adjustments to improve comfort and stability on Indonesia's often uneven road surfaces.

More critically, the vehicle's safety technology has been engineered with Jakarta's notoriously dense traffic in mind. The blind spot detection system, for instance, is specifically calibrated to handle the heavy and often unpredictable flow of motorcycle traffic, a common source of anxiety for drivers in the region. Furthermore, the EX2 introduces a 540° transparent chassis view, a feature unique in its class. This system gives drivers a virtual bird's-eye view of the area around and even under the car, empowering them to navigate tight parking spots, complex intersections, and cluttered urban roads with significantly greater confidence. This attention to localized detail demonstrates a deep understanding of the market's specific pain points.

The 'Go Local' Blueprint for Growth

The commencement of local assembly is the centerpiece of Geely's Indonesian offensive. With an initial local content of 46.5%, the company is making a tangible investment in the nation's automotive ecosystem. This move is strategically aligned with the Indonesian government's goals to become a regional EV production hub, leveraging its vast nickel reserves—a critical component for EV batteries. By meeting local content requirements, Geely not only benefits from favorable tax incentives but also strengthens its position as a committed partner in Indonesia's industrial development.

According to the company, this localization program is a comprehensive effort involving close collaboration with local partners. It's designed to facilitate technology transfer, cultivate a skilled local workforce, and stimulate growth throughout the domestic supply chain. To maintain global standards, quality control at the assembly plant will be governed by the Geely Manufacturing Enterprise System (GMES), a rigorous internal protocol ensuring consistency and quality at every stage of production. This deep integration marks a transition from being a foreign brand in Indonesia to becoming a local manufacturer, a distinction that could provide a significant competitive advantage.

Reshaping Southeast Asia's EV Battlefield

Geely's aggressive localization in Indonesia places it squarely in the middle of an intensifying battle for dominance in the Southeast Asian EV market. The region is a key growth frontier for global automakers, and Indonesia is its largest prize. Geely will face stiff competition from other Chinese brands like Wuling, which has found success with its affordable Air EV, and BYD, which is also expanding its regional footprint. Established players like Hyundai and Toyota are also pivoting their strategies to capture a share of the burgeoning EV segment.

However, Geely's approach—combining a globally popular, feature-rich model with deep manufacturing localization and market-specific adaptations—could prove to be a powerful differentiator. This strategy is part of a much larger global ambition. The company has stated its goal to sell the EX2 in over 100 countries and to establish itself as a top-five global automaker by 2030, with a significant portion of its sales coming from outside China. The successful launch and production in Thailand, followed by this major investment in Indonesia, underscores Southeast Asia's role as a critical launchpad for these global aspirations. As the first locally-assembled EX2 models prepare to navigate the bustling streets of Jakarta, the entire automotive world will be watching to see if Geely's high-stakes localization bet will redefine the road ahead for electric mobility in Southeast Asia.