The Thai Auto Book reports that General Motors Indonesia has completed its USD 150 million refurbishment of its car plant in Bekasi, a satellite city east of Indonesia’s capital Jakarta.
The plant, with a 550-strong workforce, is set to begin commercial production of the Spin seven-seater compact MPV for sale locally and for export to other markets in the ASEAN region. A further 250 workers will be added by year-end.
GM in a Spin.
The Spin is based on the similarly-named model produced by GM in Brazil but will get a smaller 1.5 liter engine instead of the 1.8 engine fitted to the Brazilian model. It will also have locally-made components, including some trim parts.
The plant will have the capacity to produce 40,000 vehicles a year once a second shift is introduced. The company expects sales to increase significantly in Indonesia with the new model from last year’s 5,643 units.
This puts the Chevrolet Spin directly against the now aging Avanza from Toyota, and for my money looks a lot better.
