According to a report by Bloomberg, three Southeast Asian countries – the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia – are competing to host an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant for BYD, the world’s second-largest EV maker after Tesla.
In an interview with Ceferino Rodolfo, undersecretary of industry development and trade policy group at the Philippines’ department of trade and industry (DTI), it was revealed that BYD is in an “advanced stage of discussions” with the country.
The carmaker’s representatives had already looked at possible factory sites in the Philippines during a visit last year and may make a decision in the second quarter of this year, said Rodolfo, who also heads the board of investments.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is in talks with BYD over a potential investment in an EV factory, with the local government attempting to lure the carmaker with tax holidays, incentives as well as access to raw materials for producing batteries. These efforts are said to convince BYD to set up shop in Indonesia rather than expanding in a neighbouring country like Thailand.
On the mention of the Land of Smiles, BYD is already set to build its first Southeast Asian EV plant there, although it has yet to be decided if it will be a full-blown or final-assembly plant, with the latter requiring car parts to be shipped in from overseas. Thailand is also the host to Great Wall Motor’s second largest full-production manufacturing facility outside of China, located in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Rayong.
Indonesia and the Philippines together account for almost half of the world’s nickel reserves, making them a good option for producers of EVs and batteries where the metal is key raw material. “We’re (the Philippines) not a low-cost destination, but we are a destination for companies who are looking for solutions for their net zero carbon commitments,” said Rodolfo.
He added that the Philippines has previously missed out on investment opportunities due to its costly power rates, but the country is positioning itself as a hub for sustainable manufacturing facilities. By 2040, it aims to increase the share of renewable energy to half of its electricity mix from around 30% currently.
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Good. May these chinese craps stay away and keep their distance from our country
b40 reply. uneducated. cant see the bigger picture.
No Malaysia in their plans? This shows how bad and crappy our government is.
That’s why you are stupid and poor, and at the bottom of the food chain. Stuck eternally in the cruel cycle of being poor.
During best mentri Azmin time, he brought in many investments. Now under useless PH gomen, all are going to Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Well done PH! Continue to be under you and soon our womenfolk have to go there as maids!
Miti, plz try ur best to bring this investment to Msia. Dont let the opportunity slip tru to our neighbours.
Indonesia has 240 million people, Malaysia has 34 million people. I guess the plant will go to Indonesia.
I think they should consider Malaysia. We have expertise is making battery. And we have graphene producer in Malaysia, which is a important nano component to enhance battery. Malaysia will also benefit from not just car CKD but also a second battery hup outside China. BYD sodium battery can be manufacture here. What say you BYD, come to Malaysia
I think geely has a better car design
that’s not the point here. when more carmakers willing to invest in malaysia, we all benefit from it.