The 21st Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) got under way in the Kemayoran exhibition halls in North Jakarta on Thursday (19 September) against a backdrop of a local market growing in importance regionally and globally.
Domestic vehicle sales have hit new record highs this year with cumulative volumes rising by almost 11% to 792,361 units in the first eight months of the year. This comes on the heels of a record year in 2012 when sales increased by 25% to 1.12m units.
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The sharp increase in fuel prices in June and substantial interest rate hikes by the central bank over the last two months to support the rupiah have shifted the industry’s focus increasingly towards small cars.
The timely launch of the long-awaited Low-Cost Green Car (LCGC) programme by the government, with tax discounts for qualifying cars, will also help underpin the market at a time when consumer spending power is being squeezed.
Honda chose the show for the global relaunch of its Mobilio MPV, reflecting Indonesia’s status as a major global multi purpose vehicle market. The new Mobilio, a 5+2-seater fitted with a 1.5 litre engine, is scheduled to go into production in Indonesia in 2014.
Honda also launched the Brio Satya at the show. This 1.2 litre small car is ready to go into production in Indonesia and awaits only the Government’s LCGC certification. The company has already worked out the tax discounts and has set a price of IDR106m (US$9,500) for the manual version and IDR120m for the automatic.
Toyota began deliveries of its LCGC car, the Agya, this month having just gained certification from the government. The car made its local debut at last year’s IIMS. The brand’s debuts this year are the facelifted Rush and Fortuner SUVs, which go on sale immediately.
Suzuki displayed its own candidate for LCGC certification, the 1,000cc Wagon R. Government approval is expected by the end of November and production is scheduled to start next year.
Nissan formally launched the Datsun budget brand in Indonesia and with its Go 1.2 litre small five seat car for LCGC certification and the Go+, with its 5+2 seating configuration. The Datsun dealer network is being built up already even though sales are not expected to start until mid 2014.
Tata Motors displayed the three models it launched in Indonesia earlier this month: the Aria 2.2 litre diesel MPV; the 1.4 litre petrol Vista small car; and the Safari Storme 2.2 litre diesel SUV. Separately, it also showcased a range of light and heavy trucks that will go on sale in November.
Ford launched its new Thai built Fiesta which goes on sale immediately and the Ecosport SUV which will follow next year. GM-Chevrolet launched the new Aveo, also imported from Thailand.
Another brand relaunched in Indonesia was Renault. Its Duster SUV has gone into production in a partnership with the Indomobil local automotive group. The Koleos crossover also went on sale, imported from Renault-Samsung in South Korea.
To emphasise the company’s racing heritage, Renault invited four times Formula 1 world champion Alan Prost to introduce the Megane RS 265hp.
At the luxury end of the market, BMW gave the 4 Series coupe and updated Z4 roadster their local market debuts, while Mercedes-Benz launched its updated E-Class line which is assembled locally. Audi Indonesia introduced the A7, as well as the RS 4 and RS 5, all imports.
just-auto’s Indonesia show model debut list
