New GM plant in Java opens

Amid the colorful textiles and inspirational music of a lively Indonesian celebration, General Motors marked the opening of its new factory in Bekasi, West Java.
“Indonesia is one of General Motors’ fastest-growing markets and we are big believers in building where we sell and sourcing where we build,” Tim Lee, vice president of global manufacturing and president of international operations, said on May 9.
Last year, the company realized 17% growth in Indonesia.
“With the excitement around the launch of the Chevrolet Spin, we are looking forward to continuing on this path of success.”
The Spin is a global subcompact, seven-seat minivan designed to offer space, refinement, flexibility and agility in a modern design. The new model also brings features that GM says position it ahead of its competitors, such as a Bluetooth connection head unit, double-blower air-conditioning system with an additional air outlet in the third row, six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic technology, digital speedometer display and multi-information display. There are three engine variants, a 1.2- and a 1.5-liter petrol version and a 1.3-liter diesel.
About 80% of the Spins assembled in Indonesia will stay in that country, with the remainder to be shipped to Thailand and the Philippines. The Bekasi plant, which is just outside Jakarta, can produce up to 40,000 units a year.
“Today’s opening is a special occasion for our 700 employees, 43 local auto-parts makers and 34 Indonesian Chevrolet dealers,” said Marcos Purty, president of GM Indonesia.
(May 10, 2013)