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Electric, hybrid cars to take center stage at RI’s largest auto show
Indonesia’s largest auto show is set to kick off on Thursday, showcasing new technology in the domestic automotive industry with a focus on electric and hybrid cars
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span>Indonesia’s largest auto show is set to kick off on Thursday, showcasing new technology in the domestic automotive industry with a focus on electric and hybrid cars.
The 27th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) is scheduled to be opened by Vice President Jusuf Kalla at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) city, Tangerang, Banten.
With “Future in Motion” as its theme, the 20 carmakers taking part in the exhibition are expected to showcase their latest innovations over the 10-day event.
“GIIAS offers a window into the latest information about the automotive industry in Indonesia and around the world,” the Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers (Gaikindo) chairman Yohannes Nangoi told the press recently.
As public concern about clear air has exponentially increased, carmakers have been prompted to adopt the latest technology that is environmentally friendly or produces less emissions.
German carmaker BMW, for example, will showcase its all-new compact electric car the BMW i3s, which is recognized as a symbol of sustainability and connectivity in the urban environment, according to Jodie O’tania, director of communications at BMW Group Indonesia.
Mercedes-Benz Indonesia will continue promoting its EQ boost engines in different models such as the C200, E350 and CLS 350. Meanwhile, Japanese carmaker Toyota will showcase three hybrid cars during the annual event, namely the Toyota TS505 Hybrid, which was used at the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Toyota Prius PHEV GR Sport and its concept car the Toyota Fine Comfort Ride (F-CR).
Henry Tanoto, Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) vice president director, said the GIIAS was the perfect moment for carmakers, especially Toyota, to raise the public’s awareness of automotive electrification technology.
“We hope the public will learn about electrification technology and its uses and hopefully in the long run it will be in demand in Indonesia,” he told the press. Toyota Motor Corp. recently announced a plan to invest US$2 billion to make electric cars in Indonesia in the next four years.
With several carmakers focusing on hybrid and electric cars, the government is expected to provide incentives to carmakers.
“Based on BMW’s experience in several other countries, there are several factors that can support the growth of electric vehicles, such as tax incentives, incentives that are not related to finance and support from stakeholders as well as the government,” Jodie said.
“With the right policies, we can certainly expect to see support for the growth of electric vehicles in Indonesia.”
Gaikindo chairman Yohannes said that this year’s auto show would also emphasize the independence of the Indonesian automotive industry and its latest cars, some of which have been exported.
Exports of completely built-up (CBU) vehicles from Indonesia grew 18 percent to 115,510 units during the January to May period from 97,761 units in the same period in 2018.
Yohanes predicted this year’s car exports to reach 300,000 units while Gaikindo has targeted for exports to reach 1 million units by 2025.
In contrast, domestic car sales have been in decline, dropping 13 percent in the first half of this year to 481,577 units in the January to June period from 553,773 in the same period last year, Gaikindo data show. The figure is less than half of the industry group’s sales target of 1.1 million units this year.
