The Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) was held from September 18th to 28th on an unprecedented scale. Japanese cars dominate the Indonesian automotive market with an overwhelming 95% share. At the show, Japanese manufacturers occupied the majority of exhibition space, showcasing popular SUVs and eco-cars one after another, demonstrating a significant presence. This was reported by NNA, which distributes economic information across Asia.
SUVs stood out at the show. Against the backdrop of rising incomes among Indonesians, "consumers who previously drove hatchbacks are starting to switch to SUVs," according to a local automotive industry source. This trend is expected to drive future market expansion.
Honda unveiled the "HR-V." Indonesia marks its first launch in Southeast Asia. Production will be local, with sales scheduled to begin in January next year. Nissan Motor displayed the fully redesigned X-Trail. While the sales target is 1,000 units per month, reservations have already reached 2,000 units since its announcement on September 12, indicating strong demand. Vice President Takao Katagiri also expressed optimism and confidence, stating, "SUVs will likely rise in prominence in Indonesia going forward."
Eco-cars are also evolving
While SUVs are becoming the object of desire for the new middle class, low-cost and green cars (LCGCs), which are small, fuel-efficient vehicles that comply with eco-car policies, are attracting attention as affordable mass-market models. Japanese manufacturers have been launching them sequentially since September last year, and each company is now aiming for first-time buyer demand with the launch of their second models.
The LCGC market is being driven by the Agya and Ayla, developed and produced by the Toyota Group's Daihatsu. Daihatsu unveiled the Ayla GT2 sports concept car.
Suzuki launched the Karimun Wagon R, an Indonesian-specification LCGC version of its popular Wagon R model for the Indian market, in November last year. Furthermore, it will introduce a new model, the Karimun Wagon R GS, to capture demand from young families in Indonesia.
Sports-oriented preferences are also growing in the mainstream compact MPV market. Mitsubishi Motors has started sales of the "Delica" minivan, positioned as a hybrid between an MPV and an SUV. In 2017, it plans to start operations at a new factory and differentiate itself by introducing a new MPV incorporating SUV elements.
