As if confirming Indonesia’s economic resilience, despite  the negative impacts of the global financial crisis, the sole importer for Ferrari sports cars in Indonesia,  PT Surya Sejahtera Otomotif launched on Friday the latest model of the Italian stallion, the Ferrari California.

The Ferrari California is targeted to the luxury car market for women and young people.

Manufactured entirely in Italy at Morenello, the car is based upon the same technology as the Formulae 1 Ferrari racing car. Customers are allowed to choose the exterior and interior colors and make other personalized  requests on the decor, accessories and trimmings .  

President director Irmawan Poedjadi said the sports car is price-tagged at roughly US$ 500,000 per unit. Presumably depending on those little extras.

“The $500,000 is only an estimation of the car’s price, the official price will be announced next week,” Irmawan said, while adding that the car price was not fixed as Ferrari  produced the Ferrari California on a customized basis , reflecting the specifications of each individual customer, which presumably could result in significant cost variations.

Irmawan said that only about 14 units of the new series have been sold in Indonesia since the new model was first introduced in the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.

“Only eight units were able to be delivered this year, the rest would be sent next year,” he said. It  takes time to customize your Ferrari and interested readers  should be patient.

Japan, China, and Australia are the top markets for Ferrari products in Asia. According to Ferrari Asia Pacific director of communication Mateo Bonciani about 400 Ferraris were sold in Japan last year.

Although Indonesia was not the top market destination for the luxury car company, Mateo was confident that sales in Indonesia would keep on growing, an interesting  sign of confidence in the economy.

According to Irmawan the sales value of Ferraris in Indonesia increases by about 10 percent per  year.

In 2007, he said, only 16 units were sold, but last year, despite the economic downturn, the deliveries and sales increased to 30 cars. This year, the importers have already managed to sell 40 units.

“Compared to other countries, Indonesia has posted a great financial performance in the first quarter of this year. I am confident of the sales this year,” Irmawan said.

Global luxury car makers have predicted sales to slump this year due to pressure from the financial crisis. Local analysts have estimated that the total number of units sold in Indonesia is expected to drop by 30 percent.

In terms of market share, the analysts said, European automobiles will remain as favorites with their superior aspects such as product quality and technology, particularly with respect to passenger safety. (mrs)

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