Astra Intl 1H Net Rp 3.03 Tln Vs Rp 2.60 Tln

Astra Intl 1H Net Rp 3.03 Tln Vs Rp 2.60 Tln
JP/15/Astra

Astra Intl 1H Net Rp 3.03 Tln Vs Rp 2.60 Tln

PT Astra International (ASII.JK) said on Friday its first-half
net profit rose 17 percent on-year largely due to an increase in
revenue from selling cars and motorcycles.

The nation's largest automotive company posted net profit of
Rp 3.03 trillion for the January-to-June period in 2005, compared
with Rp 2.60 trillion a year ago.

Revenue rose 50 percent to Rp 29.61 trillion from Rp 19.73
trillion.

Astra's first-half car sales rose 31 percent , thanks to low
interest rates, which spurred consumers to buy vehicles using
bank loans. The launch of new models also boosted sales.

At the end of June, the company sold 295,774 cars, maintaining
its share of the car market at 46percent , on strong sales of
Daihatsu Xenia, Toyota Avanza and Toyota Kijang Innova passenger
cars.

During the period, Astra also sold 1.28 million Honda
motorcycles, 31percent higher than in 2004, representing a two-
wheeler market share of 49 percent .

"Astra performed well in the first half of 2005 and this
satisfactory performance is expected for the rest of the year
although at a lower expected growth than in the first half,"
Astra Chief Executive Michael Ruslim said in a press release.

Singapore's Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. (C07.SG) owns
49.9percent of Astra.