Ford to build EV plant near one of the world’s largest sources of nickel [Video]

After losing ground in China and Europe, Ford looks to expand in a market full of untapped potential for electric vehicles – Indonesia. The automaker is investing in an EV plant in Indonesia – the world’s largest producer of nickel – setting up shop close to its $4.5 billion nickel processing project.

While Ford has yet to officially confirm reports, the Indonesian government is said to have already held talks with several global car manufacturers – “including with Volkswagen Group and Ford,” according to reports.

Ford is currently making massive job cuts in Europe and losing market share in China, but it sees Indonesia as a potential bright spot. The automaker returned to the Indonesian market in 2022 after a six-year absence through its partnership with Bangkok-based RMA Group. Ford now sells the Thai-made Ranger pickup truck and Everest SUV, with a combined 664 deliveries so far this year.

But Indonesia is focusing on EVs for two reasons, to …