Chinese Auto Brands Hongqi and Leapmotor Expand Into Indonesia

Indomobil Group will begin distributing vehicles from Chinese automakers Hongqi and Leapmotor in Indonesia starting in July and August 2026, respectively. The move aims to strengthen Indomobil’s portfolio in the increasingly competitive Indonesian automotive market.

Hongqi, known as the preferred car brand of Chinese President Xi Jinping, will launch in Indonesia in July 2026, while Leapmotor will follow in August 2026, according to a statement by Indomobil Group Director Andrew Nasuri.

“As we all know, two more Chinese brands will join the group this year: Hongqi and Leapmotor,” Nasuri said during an interaction in Guangzhou, China, on April 21, 2026. He added that both brands are currently undergoing testing and the homologation process to comply with Indonesian regulations.

Hongqi: A Luxury Brand with Presidential Ties

Hongqi is China’s oldest luxury car brand and is supplied vehicles for use by the Chinese government, including the Hongqi L5 limousine used by President Xi Jinping. The brand is under the FAW Group and distribution in Indonesia will be managed by PT IMG Sejahtera Langgeng, following a distribution contract signed on July 7, 2025.

According to Kompas.com, Hongqi “has a market of its own in the luxury car segment, and can be used by officials.”

Leapmotor: Focusing on Smart Electric Vehicles

Leapmotor is a technology company specializing in smart electric vehicles (EVs). The company has in-house software development capabilities and offers a range of vehicles, from compact city cars to sport utility vehicles. Leapmotor has already registered industrial designs in Indonesia, signaling its commitment to the market.

Qoo Media describes the Leapmotor C10 as a “smart electric SUV with a central brain and a price that is still reasonable.”

Expanding Chinese Automotive Presence in Indonesia

The entry of Hongqi and Leapmotor reflects a broader trend of Chinese automotive manufacturers expanding into Indonesia. This expansion is supported by the technologies offered by these brands and the growing demand for vehicles in the Indonesian market.

The addition of these brands is expected to increase competition within the Indonesian automotive industry. Indomobil Group’s decision to introduce Hongqi and Leapmotor is a strategic move to strengthen its position in the market.

Hongqi Eyes European Expansion via Stellantis

Separately, Hongqi is reportedly in talks with Stellantis to build vehicles at one of the Fiat-to-Jeep owner’s Spanish plants as part of its European expansion plans. The talks are being facilitated through Leapmotor, in which both FAW (Hongqi’s owner) and Stellantis are investors.

According to Reuters, five sources familiar with the matter stated that this move could accelerate Hongqi’s European expansion and avoid the need for a significant investment in a new factory. “This was the way that Hongqi can start European production quickly,” one source said. “Hongqi is using that network to gain a manufacturing base through Leapmotor, and Stellantis.”

Hongqi aims to sell 1 million vehicles annually by 2030, with at least 10% of those sales coming from outside of China.

Stellantis declined to comment on the specific talks but stated that it regularly holds discussions with industry players to provide customers with the best mobility choices.