Indonesia on my mind

Jakarta, Indonesia — Despite getting caught up in the anger of a 6.3 earthquake that rocked the nation’s capital just two days before, the 14th Indonesian International Motor Show still opened its doors to an enthusiastic international press and VIP guests from as far away as the USA. For the average car-loving local, this was the most groundbreaking thing to hit the city. Not even the Tsunami that followed after in Java could dampen their spirits.

This is Indonesia’s first real crack at an International Motor Show. "This exhibition is not only focusing on sales volume, but more importantly, is directed to gain international recognition by demonstrating a conducive investment climate for foreign investors," Bambang Trisulo, Chairman of Gaikindo, the association of the Indonesian Automotive Industry and the organizing body of the motor show said during a private chat with The STAR.

"Nineteen out of 21 participating sole agents launched their newly released models, while others showcased their concept cars." Trisulo continued. Toyota launched a benchmark-busting, all-new Camry, while Mazda took the opportunity to launch the best selling Mazda3. No, not a new one, but the same one we’ve had over here for a couple of years now, which — considering our low figures — should already speak volumes about how lucky we are in the Philippines.

Taxes play an important role in Indonesia’s automotive development, and you can see this reflected in their choice of transport. Toyota remains on top with models like the Kijang-Innova and the Avansa, which is a car based, mini MPV that seats seven people at a pinch. We squeezed eight, plus bags, but if you value blood circulation, get an Innova or stick with six or seven. But despite their better buying power, you don’t see many full size SUVs; even Ford, which has built its name on the No Boundaries line up of vehicles, only offers an Everest and Escape. Nissan does not offer the Murano and GM shuns the Trailblazer and trumpets their Optra, Spark and Kalos — a smaller passenger car that would slug it out with the Vios.

If you were to pull out raw figures and be simplistic with your calculations, the Philippines is still behind Indonesia in terms of industry growth. They have less than three times our population, but sold over five times more vehicles than us. But now that is under threat. "The Indonesian automotive industry is on the decline, with sales dropping as much as 35% across the board." Trisulo offered, obviously concerned about the impact that the rising cost of fuel has had on the market. "This is why it was important to create a theme that could address the issue head on. We don’t just want to exhibit vehicles; for the industry to grow, we need to create a dialogue with our consumers and government bodies."

In support of the Indonesian government’s policy to introduce alternative energy, the theme, "Changing Vehicles for the Earth" received full support from the automobile manufacturers in response to the global challenges in environmental and energy conservation programs.

Ford showcased their Flex Fuel Focus, while Toyota chose to show their stunning concepts as well as a Toyota Yaris Superman edition with embossed blue leather and decals, showing that even the auto industry has gone Super mad. Not to be outdone, Honda had their own fictional hero set up with a Lightning McQueen Jazz that got more than its fair share of "oohs" and "ahhs".

Mazda may be well behind with their launch of the Mazda 3, but broke new ground with their latest development, the CX7 SUV.

Motor Image, the same group that handles Subaru in the Philippines, launched the WRX and the Forester 2.0 limited edition, which features an exclusive mesh grille and a black and blue leather interior.

Mercedes launched their cosmetically-challenged, R-series of people movers, while BMW chose to sit the whole thing out altogether. It was the only visible absentee to the event and many were asking why.

Kia had the very handsome Sportage — the platform twin of its’ sister-in-law, the Hyundai Tucson — as well as the Rio, although they call it a Pride over there.

Suzuki is very strong in Indonesia and is doing extremely well with their APV, a small minivan with the old Vitara engine. The Swift was also on display but the highlight was when the Japanese company unveiled their new Grand Vitara to a very excited mob. Makes you wonder how much better Suzuki would sell over here if it flexed a bit more muscle in their marketing arms. They really have terrific products.

According to Gaikindo, which is essentially like our CAMPI, the Indonesian automobile industry sold over half a million cars last year. This year, they expect just 350 thousand. Even the motorcycle industry has taken a plunge, from six million bikes down to just a projected four million this year. "Aside from the oil crisis, we have seen a surge in interest rates, too." The chairman continued. "This is the bulk of the problem. With 90 percent of new car sales being credit based, we see this as our major cause of concern."

The show was a tremendous success and is just the thing the doctor would order to get the industry back on the road to a speedy recovery. As far as a regional show is concerned, it can hold its head up high and go pound for pound with the more established events like the Bangkok Motor Show — although the Thais use a far more modern facility and more floor space. It also paid a backhanded compliment to our own Manila Motor Show that equaled the two in everything else except size and an international accreditation.