TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Automotive industry observer Suhardi Sargo has forecasted that Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) cars would soon dominate the nation’s car market. “The technologies offered are compatible with our nature and consumers’ condition,” he told Tempo on Thursday, May 22 2014.
Suhardi said the competition of SUV technologies among carmakers in the country had enticed consumers and resulted in higher demand. “The ones with the best and appealing [technology] will survive,” he said.
He said the great endurance of SUV cars that could traverse through rough terrains in Indonesia had prompted consumers to opt SUV cars. “People in cities are not the only ones choosing to use SUVs, but those in Papua, where the terrains are heavy, are also using them,” he said.
Another factor contributing to the growth of SUV car sales, he added, was their reasonable prices. “The growth can reach five percent per year. This is great news for producers,” he said.
Up until February, car sales in Indonesia has reached 111,306 units, with Toyota posting 40,961 units, Daihatsu with 19,164 units, Mitsubishi 13,100 units, and Suzuki 13,000 units.
JAYADI SUPRIADIN
