IPTN working on design of Rp 15m `People's Car'<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The state aircraft manufacturer IPTN is
\ncurrently working on the design of an inexpensive car that will
\nsell at Rp 15 million ($7,100) each.<\/p>\n
IPTN President B.J. Habibie, who is also the state minister of
\nresearch and technology, told a hearing with Commission X of the
\nHouse of Representatives (DPR) that Mobil Masyarakat (People's
\nCar), will be installed with a 1,600 cc engine designed by the
\nBritish-based car manufacturer, Rover.<\/p>\n
However, he stressed that all of the car's components,
\nincluding its engine, will be produced locally.<\/p>\n
\"IPTN should soon complete the outline of the car and will
\nbegin with the design of the prototype,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Habibie said the aircraft company is only involved in the
\ndesign of the car. Actual production is expected to be carried
\nout by the automotive industry, he added.<\/p>\n
Habibie has been calling for the streamlining of the national
\ncar industry, to make it more efficient and strong enough to
\ncompete with foreign manufacturers. His call, however, has
\nlargely been ignored by the powerful local car manufacturers.<\/p>\n
At Rp 15 million a piece, the MM -- if it actually
\nmaterializes -- will be the cheapest sedan on the Indonesian
\nmarket. Currently, that title is held by the Baby Boomers,
\nproduced by Indomobil using a Mazda design, which retails at
\naround Rp 25 million.<\/p>\n
Once completed, the project will be offered to the Association
\nof Indonesian Car Producers (Gaikindo), he said.<\/p>\n
\"Our objective is to produce cars which are designed and
\nproduced by Indonesia's sons and daughters. All components and
\nspare-parts should be produced at home to make them affordable to
\nall layers of society,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Habibie said that, ideally, the first MM cars should roll off
\nthe assembly line next August when Indonesia marks the 50th
\nanniversary of its independence.<\/p>\n
He added, however, that he is not to be rushed because there
\nis the risk that the car produced will be of poor quality.<\/p>\n
Instead, he said production should begin in 1997 or 1998.
\n(rms)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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