THE SUV (sport utility vehicle) remains popular among Indonesian car enthusiasts.
Aside from its macho appearance, this kind of vehicle has plenty of room for
passengers. The popularity of SUV has not only prompted Japanese manufacturers
but also authorized agents of Korean and European makers to aggressively market
their own superior SUVs in Indonesia.
PT
Mazda Motor Indonesia, for instance, launched the New Mazda CX-9, this
attention-drawing model is known for its superior performance and boasts high
tech features plus a luxurious interior that competes with European made cars. “Ultimate
product innovations complemented with stylish design is Mazda’s key to
attracting customers,” said PT Mazda Motor Indonesia president director Keizo
Okue as quoted by detik.oto.
Previously,
the All New Mazda CX-5 2103 was introduced to the market adding to the
adventurous type of cars in this country. The Mazda CX-5 is equipped with
SKYACTIV technology that includes idling-stop and I-Stop, which means the
engine only requires 0.35 seconds from idle to restart.
It
has a new, fresh and sporty design plus an array of interior features making it
ideal for those who want to look different, adventurous and fashionable.
Astra
International has introduced the New Daihatsu Terios, a middle-class SUV with a
sales target of 2,500, which is half the market share of this particular niche. The
New Terios prioritizes passenger safety with its double air bags. It is also
equipped with head rests and seat belts on all seats as well as a double blower
AC and air filter for the interior cabin. The car manufacturer disclosed that it sold
about 2,300 in the previous year but they were “optimistic that the new look
and features that New Daihatsu Terios has will boost the company’s market share
of the new product.”
Currently
there are four variants available: TS manual and matic as well as TX manual and
matic.
Optimistic
Meanwhile,
the Korean car maker KIA Mobil Indonesia has a new champ hitting the streets, the
All New Sorento. KIA is also optimistic about grabbing a handsome market share
of this growing segment, setting its sales target at about 600 up until the end
of 2013
The
All New Sorento now offers customers a choice between its new 2.2L CRD 1 diesel
engine and the already available gasoline engine, which was marketed some time
ago. “We are proud of our consumers’ positive response to KIA’s products in
Indonesia as can be seen from the growth in demand. Hence, to expand their
options we are launching the diesel variant of All New Sorento,” said PT KIA
Mobil Indonesia marketing director Hartanto Sukmono.
All
New Sorento is one of KIA’s superior products in the SUV segment with a
capacity of seven passengers and the latest features. The gasoline engine is
Theta II 2.4L DOHC DUAL CVVT while the diesel one is 2.2L CRD-I.
For
the past five years the sales of SUVs have been growing at an average of 18 to
19 percent and this year’s projection is 22 percent along with the aggressive
marketing of various SUVs.
The
SUV market is divided into three segments: low, medium and premium. The past
few years have seen big sales in the low segment contributed by such brands as
Toyota Rush and Daihatsu Terios. The
middle or medium segment is filled with “warfare” among numerous brands such
as: Toyota Fortuner, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai Tucson as
well as KIA Sportage, Captiva, X-Trail, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape.
Indonesia
Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo) chairman Jongkie D Sugiarto said that
the SUVs, priced between Rp 250 million and Rp 500 million, grabbed the largest
market share. He added that in 2013 the SUV market would grow further although
Indonesian consumers have certain considerations before deciding on a purchase.
This
year, he said, three products, the Toyota Fortuner, Honda CR-V, as well as
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Outlander would dominate most of the market.
However, there are still opportunities for other brands with the latest
technology, features, stylish design and competitive price tags. (Burhan Abe)
The
Jakarta Post, November 12, 2013
