Automakers Launch new Makes at IIMS 2019

Automakers launch new makes at IIMS 2019. The 2019 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) kicked off on Thursday and will be open to visitors until May 5. A number of automakers announced their new makes on the opening day of the exhibition.

One of the most anticipated new models is the Glory 560 sport utility vehicle (SUV) from Chinese automaker DFSK, a successor to the SUV DFSK Glory 580 that was introduced last year.

DFSK, a newcomer to the Indonesian automotive market, is offering the Glory 560 at a starting price of Rp189 million (US$13,313), lower than the 580 version, which is priced at Rp245.9 million.

Sokonindo Automobile, which holds a DFSK license in Indonesia, expressed confidence about the release, saying there was a shift in the trend of first-time car buyers from multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) to SUVs.

The Glory 560 is expected to make up half of this year’s sales for DFSK, which a targeted 12,000 vehicle sales, an ambitious 881 percent jump from the 1,222 cars sold in 2018.

“In the next two months, Glory 560 and all its spare parts will be available in all our showrooms across Indonesia […] and we are confident [about achieving] better results,” said Franz Wang, Sokonindo Automobile sales managing director.

Meanwhile, Korean automaker Hyundai announced the launch of its Hyundai Kona, a medium-sized SUV, at a starting price of Rp 363.9 million.

Prior to its launch in Indonesia, Hyundai Kona entered several markets worldwide, including the United States.

“This car complements our SUV lineup in Indonesia after Tucson and Santa Fe,” Hyundai Motors Indonesia president director Mukiat Sutikno said.

Kona launched at a lower price than its competitors in the medium SUV class, with its Honda HR-V priced at 400 million and Mazda CX-3 at Rp398.8 million.

Japanese automaker Suzuki, on the other hand, chose to introduce a pick-up truck in its New Carry Pick-Up lineup.

The pick-up is being sold for between Rp135.6 million and Rp145.1 million, eyeing consumers from small and medium businesses.

According to Seiji Itayama, the president director of Suzuki Indomobil Sales, Carry makes were Suzuki’s best-selling vehicles.

“We have sold 1.25 million units of the Carry pick-ups and exported 100,000 to 59 countries […] we plan to expand our exports to 100 countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the upper-class side, Mercedes-Benz launched the latest version of its premium MPV, the B-Class, at a starting price of Rp 679 million.

Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia president director Roelof Lamberta said the automaker was confident about its prospects in the premium automotive market.

“Despite challenges in the automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz sold 841 vehicles in the first three months of 2019, confirming our position as the number one luxury automotive brand in Indonesia with a market share of 50 percent,” Lamberta said.

At the 2019 IIMS, BMW also launched the latest versions of the BMW Z4 roadster and BMW X5 SUV, with price tags of Rp1.46 billion and Rp1.48 billion respectively.

“We are optimistic about significant growth under the premium car category,” said Jodie O’Tania, vice president of corporate communications at BMW Indonesia, adding that the company received several orders of the latest BMW Z4 shortly after its launch. Automakers launch new makes at IIMS 2019 (bbn, Rachmadea Aisyah, The Jakarta Post)