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Iseki To Move Production To Indonesia
JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro Iseki will produce 90% of its products for overseas markets, mainly Europe and the United States, in Indonesia by 2030. The company will gradually transfer the production of tractors and other products for overseas markets that have been handled domestically and will use the consolidation of production as an opportunity to review product design.
In Japan, the market for agricultural machinery is shrinking, and it is difficult to secure human resources. The company will strengthen the position of its production base in Indonesia to expand its overseas business, particularly in Europe and the United States.
The production capacity of the local plant increased to 22,000 units in 2023, a 20% increase over the previous capacity. At present, the production transfer is about 60% complete.
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Indonesia Moves To Reduce Chinese Ownership of Nickel Projects
INDONESIA REPORT
Akihiro Komuro Indonesia is trying to reduce Chinese investment in new nickel mining and smelting operations in order to qualify for U.S. tax incentives. Under the Biden administration’s Inflation-Reduction Act (IRA), large tax incentives will apply after 2025. However, it does not apply to batteries sourced from “foreign entities of concern,” such as companies in which Chinese capital holds more than 25% of the shares, or to EVs that use nickel or other key minerals. Indonesia’s nickel industry will be hit hard by these conditions. This is because the country has been the world’s largest producer of nickel for the past four years, thanks to a large influx of Chinese capital into its mining and smelting operations.
According to three people familiar with the matter, the Indonesian government and the nickel industry are working on new investment projects in which Chinese companies will have a smaller stake. It is possible that the nickel supplied through these deals will be eligible for tax benefits under the IRA. However, in order for the Indonesian nickel industry to receive tax benefits, it will also need to negotiate a trade agreement with the United States. The Indonesian side is proposing an agreement limited to critical minerals.
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Hitachi Demonstrates Ultra-Large Electric Dump Truck
JAPAN REPORT
By Akihiro Komuro, Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia
Akihiro Komuro Hitachi Construction Machinery said it is demonstrating a rechargeable all-electric dump truck at a mine in Zambia. It’s the world’s first demonstration of an ultra-large machine with a payload capacity of 200 tons.
Operating conditions and battery life will be verified over a one-year period. The original plan was to have the system in operation by the end of 2024, but the company now plans to launch it in 2025 or later.
The overhead wires will be installed along the mine’s route and the battery will be recharged as it travels along the route. This system allows for more efficient operation than recharging at stops. The batteries mounted on the vehicle body will also be lighter, increasing the payload capacity of the dump truck.
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LG, Hyundai Open Indonesia EV Battery Plant
SOUTH KOREA REPORT
South Korean battery giants LG Energy Solutions and Hyundai Motor have opened their first battery plant in Indonesia. The plant will produce batteries for electric vehicles to be sold locally and in neighboring countries. Indonesian President Joko made the announcement at a ceremony held July 3 in the Karawang region near the capital, Jakarta, to mark the opening of the new plant.
The investment is $1.2 billion, split 50-50 between LG Energy and Hyundai Motor. The annual battery…
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Honda To Cut Thai Car Production
THAILAND REPORT
Honda said it plans to integrate its two automotive manufacturing plants in Thailand by 2025. The move will cut annual production capacity in Thailand by 50% to 270,000 units.
Production at the Ayutthaya plant will be discontinued and consolidated at the Prachinburi plant in central Thailand. The Ayutthaya plant has an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. Honda’s total production capacity in Thailand is 270,000 units, but there was a surplus of 147,000 units in 2011. The company will improve the profitability of its four-wheel business by reducing fixed costs. The Ayutthaya plant will continue to be used as an auto parts plant.
Source: The Nikkei
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Honda To Cut Thai Car Production
THAILAND REPORT
Akihiro Komuro Honda said it plans to integrate its two automotive manufacturing plants in Thailand by 2025. The move will cut annual production capacity in Thailand by 50% to 270,000 units.
Production at the Ayutthaya plant will be discontinued and consolidated at the Prachinburi plant in central Thailand. The Ayutthaya plant has an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. Honda's total production capacity in Thailand is 270,000 units, but there was a surplus of 147,000 units in…
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Iseki develops one of the largest unmanned tractors in Japan
FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro Iseki announced the development of an unmanned tractor that operates without a pilot under the supervision of a human operator. With 123 horsepower, one of the largest in Japan, the tractor will support labor-saving agricultural work amid the trend toward large-scale farming. Priced from 21.9 million yen, the tractor will be marketed to large-scale farmers, mainly in Hokkaido.
The company’s human-supervised robotic tractor, which previously had a maximum power of 98 hp, has increased its power to 123 hp, thereby expanding the range of work and reducing the time required. It also reduces the time needed to train farmers who are unfamiliar with operating the tractor, allowing them to work more efficiently.
Source: The Nikkei
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Suzuki Withdraws from Thai 4-wheel Vehicle Production
THAILAND REPORT
Akihiro Komuro Suzuki says it will withdraw from four-wheel vehicle production in Thailand. Production at the local subsidiary will cease by the end of 2025, and vehicles made at the main plant in India will be exported to Thailand for sale. Thailand has long been a stronghold of Japanese automakers, but Chinese automakers have gone on the offensive with low-cost EVs, and with Subaru’s decision to pull out, the plight of Japanese automakers is becoming more apparent.
Suzuki Motor Thailand (SMT), a local subsidiary, will cease production by the end of 2025, and SMT will focus on sales and customer service in Thailand. Thai Suzuki Motor, which produces motorcycles and outboard engines, will continue operations.
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Komatsu Develops Hydrogen Generator
JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro Komatsu has announced the development of a hydrogen-powered generator that will be used to power an electric mini excavator. It can be transported to the job site, allowing electric construction equipment to be used in places where there is no electric power infrastructure. The system will be tested at customer sites by September 2024.
The generator was developed in cooperation with DENYO. The generator is 3.1 meters long, 1.1 meters wide and 1.7 meters high. It generates electricity by mixing up to 40% hydrogen with light oil. HVO fuel (hydrogenated vegetable oil), a type of biofuel made from waste cooking oil, can also be used.
Komatsu has developed hydrogen-blended combustion power generators for use in on-site power generation at factories and other facilities. The company sells seven types of electric construction equipment but is unable to supply power to sites where there are no power distribution networks, so it has been working to commercialize an electric power supply infrastructure.
Source: The Nikkei
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