However, cars have attracted most of the visitors. At least 40 new car models and concepts were introduced, from the most advanced ones like cars with artificial intelligence (AI), mini electric cars and hybrid cars, to new passenger cars, whose brands visitors are already familiar with.

Gaikindo expects sales of this year event to exceed last year’s achievement, which was recorded at 23,000 vehicles worth Rp 7.2 trillion (US$497.9 million)

Here some highlights from the show: 

Concept cars with AI technology

During the GIIAS 2018, a number of automakers introduced prototypes that use AI. One example is the Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept, an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) with AI, in which the technology is claimed to be able to understand driver intention and read changes on the road and in traffic.

“What we see in the e-Evolution Concept today is what we will have in the many Mitsubishi vehicles to come,” car distributor Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI) president director Kyoya Kondo said.

Aside from Mitsubishi, Japanese carmaker Toyota also introduced the Concept-i Car and Concept-i Ride, also electric vehicles equipped with AI technology. The AI can detect what the driver is feeling and make recommendations or take over the wheel if necessary.

Another Japanese carmaker, Honda, also introduced its NeuV, whose AI technology gives it autonomous driving and can determines a driver’s stress level from their facial expression.

The new old Suzuki Jimny

Meanwhile, the all-new Suzuki Jimny concept has brought auto lovers to feel nostalgic about the old Suzuki Jimny introduced in 1980s. The newest generation of Suzuki’s legendary mini SUV is one of the cars that attracted visitors' attention.

The Suzuki Jimny was a very popular car in the country back in the early 1980s to 1990s.  

Even though the new Jimny is not yet available in Indonesia, PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales, the sole distributor of Suzuki cars in Indonesia, is now studying the market and measuring customer interest for the car, especially after seeing the response in the GIIAS.

Electric and plug-in hybrid cars

Electric and hybrid cars have become another attraction for customers. One example is mini electric vehicle Baojun E100, introduced by Chinese carmaker Wuling Motors. Its small size of only 65.75 inches tall has attracted many visitors to take a look the car, even though it is not yet available in Indonesia.

Jason Ding, brand and marketing director of SGMW Motor Indonesia, said it is very likely for them to sell the car in Indonesia, as long as the regulation and infrastructure for electric cars are ready.

Some brands also brought their plug-in hybrids, such as BMW, which released its plugin hybrid i8 Roadster along its I Wall box, which serves as the charging box for the cars.

Long list of newest passenger cars

The GIIAS has also been used by car brands to launch their new passenger cars from multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) to SUVs.  Familiar brands like Honda, Chevrolet, Mazda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and many more have introduced their new cars.

Honda, for example, launched its all new Honda Brio and new Honda HR-V. Meanwhile, Chevrolet introduced its new Trailblazer SUV and Chevrolet Spark City Car. Hyundai introduced its new SUV, Santa Fe, while Mitsubishi introduced its new variant of its MPV Xpander. (bbn)

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