Polytron G3.
Polytron– Household appliance manufacturer controlled by billionaire brothers R. Budi and Michael HartonoDjarum Group – Entering the automotive industry by introducing Indonesia-made electric vehicles.
Developed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Skyworth Automobile, Polytron sells five-seat sport multi-purpose vehicles G3 and G3+ for Rs 299 crore ($18,166) ($18,166), each with a fixed battery or a fixed battery rental option each month. The partners plan to produce approximately 10,000 vehicles over the next three years.
In Indonesia, the demand for electric vehicles is rising, and Polytron enters the development of a competitive automotive industry. Despite slowing car sales in the country last year, EV sales rose 152% to 43,000 units, according to the latest report from brokerage Verdhana Sekuritas Indonesia.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are actively expanding in Indonesia to capitalize on growing domestic demand. BYD, the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, launched its first car in the country early last year and now builds a $1 billion factory in Subang, about 100 kilometers southeast of Jakarta. In February, Xpeng, created by Chinese billionaire He Xiaoopeng, also entered the market with the support of local electronic publisher Erajaya Group.
Polytron, which has been selling electric bikes since 2022, wants to keep its own attitude towards foreign automakers. Its SUV can travel 402 kilometers on a fully charged battery and has features like a large sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and a 12.8-inch touchscreen entertainment system.
“By improving the experience of Indonesian families, in the celebration of our 50-year journey, we want to ensure that daily travel innovation is not only about technology but also about accessibility,” Polytron CEO Hariono said in a statement.
Founded in 1975, Polytron currently operates three manufacturing plants in central Java, producing refrigerators, air conditioners and TVs. The company is part of Hartono Brothers’ Djarum Group, which employs over 10,000 people and has 19 offices and 61 service centers in Indonesia.
Budi and Michael Hartono are among the 50 most abundant list of Indonesia published in December with a net worth of $500.3 billion. Their interests spanned Jakarta’s banks, cigarettes and major real estate. They also hold stakes in Global Digital Niaga, the parent of e-commerce company Blibli.
