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igger than ever and with consumer-conscious eco-mobility as its theme this year, the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2012 takes pride in being the largest automotive exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region.

The organizer estimates approximately 350,000 visitors will attend the 10-day show from Sept. 20-30 at Jakarta Internationwal Expo (JIExpo) in Kemayoran. Its designated space of 71,331 square meters will showcase 35 companies, the largest number of brands in its 20-year history

According to IIMS 2012 organizing chairman Johnny Darmawan, the exhibition space is 10 percent larger than last year’s 63,654 square meters. He added that 25 of the brands that had registered represented private vehicles, and the rest were commercial vehicles. The total is an increase from 32 brands last year.

Participating private vehicle manufacturers include Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daihatsu, Dodge, Ford, Geely, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, KIA, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz.

 “The large exhibition space and the support from the participants are testament to the active role the IIMS plays in maintaining Indonesia’s potential to become the largest automotive market in ASEAN. Our exhibition space this time is much larger than similar exhibitions held in other ASEAN member countries,” said Darmawan.

Due to its size and influence, the IIMS 2012 will be a benchmark for many countries for developments in the industry, including technology.

“It is possible to learn about automotive technological development via the Internet but I am sure it is more satisfactory to view the cars directly, and that is one of the many advantages of coming to visit the IIMS,” he said in Jakarta recently.

To support the exhibition’s theme, all authorized sole agents are serious about their concepts and themes: a spirit of smart transportation that does not depend too heavily on fossil-based fuels but, rather, efficient fuels and a spirit to prioritize a environmentally friendly lifestyle while preserving energy.

He added that it proved there was increased awareness about the need to both preserve and protect the environment for the future.

For example, the theme “Innovation that Excites”, which will be presented by Nissan Motor Indonesia and Infiniti Indonesia at the IIMS 2012, includes a number of cars in their booth in Hall D. They will also be exhibiting their latest models: the all-new Nissan Serena, Elgrand 2.5L, and their legendary sports car, the Nissan GTR R35, plus the Infiniti F1 show car.

PT Nissan Motor Indonesia’s president director Kintaro Izumida said that beginning this year, the IIMS had become a global motor show because of the growing focus on Indonesia and its prospects.

“Many CEOs of automotive manufacturers will visit Indonesia to give presentations here,” he said.

“For us, the IIMS is a very important event as it allows us to introduce our models.”

Lap of luxury

With the increasing number of upwardly mobile families in Indonesia, several major sole agents are set to display luxury models in the upcoming IIMS.

Each of the car manufacturers has its own vision of luxury cars to meet their needs.

“For discerning consumers, owning a car is not just a means of transportation, but a way of raising their social status and prestige,” said one expert, who declined to be identified.

 Aside from sophisticated technology, luxury cars are well known for their unique and elegant design and powerful performance.

Infiniti states its particular advantages and ideal consumer on its website.

 “Our vision was to create an entirely different kind of car for an entirely different kind of driver. We wanted to transform the predictable into the extraordinary by combining radical design with innovative and intuitive technology to create cars which have significance beyond their physical form,” the company said.

 “We looked to our rich heritage, specifically the Japanese aesthetic known as ’Adeyaka’, a concept containing the notions of grace and vibrant sensuality, and combined it with modern, progressive luxury. We call this design philosophy ‘Graceful Strength’.”

In celebrating 105 years in Indonesia, Daihatsu is presenting its theme “Best Friend in Life”. Water and leaves dominate Daihatsu’s eco-friendly concept at its booth.

The booth, with Daihatsu’s latest products, will offer many programs and facilities to pamper its visitors and their stand will be located in Hall A.

Consistent with the IIMS theme, Toyota Indonesia will present its vision on “Goodness for Tomorrow”. This is a theme inspired by the desire to create a better future for the next generation. Toyota Indonesia will exhibit 25 new models, including special exhibits.

The chairman of the Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers Association (Gaikindo), Sudirman MR, said support by authorized sole agents was a positive point that would strengthen Indonesia’s foremost position in ASEAN’s automotive industry.

“We also expect similar support from automobile lovers here in Indonesia.” said Sudirman.

Meanwhile, in Hall B, BMW Group Indonesia will present its two brands: the BMW and MINI. To support the spirit of the Eco-Mobility theme echoed by IIMS this year, BMW will present its latest product lineup, which includes efficient dynamics technology developed by BMW to reduce fuel use and gas emissions.

The IIMS 2012 not only features exhibitions of cars but also other exciting attractions, such as the test drive in a specially designed area, the challenging “drift war” and the “russ swift”, which consists of driving cars in unique positions.

The drift war, an annual inclusion in the IIMS, will present 50 professional drifters driving on a new and increasingly challenging track.

For visitors’ convenience, free shuttle buses will be available covering more pickup points. This year, as many as 38 buses will be on hand to transport visitors to the exhibitions from the following collection points: Margo City, Depok; Plaza Senayan; Pondok Indah Mall 2; Tamini Square; and Central Park, and the buses will run every 15 minutes throughout each day of the exhibition.

“We are striving to make the IIMS a place for family recreation. So, not only will families be able to view the products on show, but the ambience, atmosphere and all the facilities will provide great comfort. With our top-notch programming and service, we are sure the public will be supportive, not only this year but also in the years to come,” said Sudirman.

Other programs on offer include the Exotic Car Show, the Miss Motor Show 2012 and the Palm Challenge, as in previous years.

The organizer is also including a number of social activities, such as Blood Donors, Contributing Engines, Contributing Books of the IIMS 2012 and the IIMS 2012 Students’ Visits to Assembly Plants.

“The automotive industry does not focus only on material profits; it also pays great attention to making the nation smarter. These are just some of the steps we’re taking to achieve this,” said Darmawan.