STORY: BYD is driving forward with its plan to build a $1 billion plant in Indonesia.

A top executive said Monday the Chinese electric vehicle maker aims to complete the facility at the end of this year.

Eagle Zhao is BYD's president director in Indonesia.

"Actually every single progression of our local manufacturing is quite smooth and also on the track. Meanwhile, we will also keep our commitment, which is by end of 2025, we will complete the construction works of our factory in Indonesia."

It underscores the carmakers ambition to dominate in a market where Japanese automakers are popular.

Zhao said the long-term plan for the plant is for the export market

The plant is being built at an industrial complex in Subang, West Java, and projected to have a production capacity of 150,000 EV units annually.

"So our manufacturing, once its started we will put the priority and majority for the domestic markets. Meanwhile, we will never stop to thinking about the exportation (export) market as well."

2024 was BYD's first year of sales in Indonesia and trade data showed the automaker sold more than 15,400 units.

Figures from January to November showed BYD was the leader in terms of battery-based EV sales.

It had around 36% of the market share.

Zhao said he expected the new plant to produce its first cars not long after the completion of construction.