German car manufacturer Volkswagen expressed its interest and commitment to becoming a part of the electric vehicle battery supply chain by making investment in nickel ore processing industry through one of its member of group of companies Volkswagen PowerCo.
Indonesian Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia stated that Volkswagen PowerCo will be developing an electric battery ecosystem in Indonesia. The company will be cooperating with Vale Indonesia, Zhejian Huayou Cobalt Co, and Ford Motor to build a nickel smelter in Pomala block.
Initially, Volkswagen plan to make investment in Indonesia was stated by Volkswagen Chief Procurement Officer Jorg Teichmann during a meeting with Minister Bahlil back in 2022. Before the meeting with Bahlil, back in 2019, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan visited Volkswagen head office in Hannover. Back then, Luhut invited Volkswagen to make electric cars in Indonesia.
Vale’s response
In relation to Volkswagen plan, President Director of Vale Indonesia Febrianny Eddy stated that Volkswagen had visited Vale’s mine in Sorowako, South Sulawesi. Febri claimed that Volkswagen was very impressed with the mine and expressed their intention to cooperate. Febri also explained that the main factor that attracts Volkswagen was Vale’ sustainable mining processes.
