Auto Expo set to put RI on the automotive map

By Russell Williamson

This year's Auto Expo, to be held at the Jakarta Convention Center next month, is set be bigger and better than ever before.

The Auto Expo runs from Saturday, July 27 to Sunday, Aug. 4 and is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free.

The Secretary General of the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries, -- the organizers of the Expo -- F. Soeseno, said there had been a tremendous response from carmakers this year with all the major players participating.

"Really our carmakers this year are frustrated because of the new regulations, especially with the Timor's special treatment, and that is why they are trying to show off," Soeseno said.

He said this would be the first of a new era of motor shows in Indonesia, which from this year will now only be held every two years at a time that does not coincide with other regional motor shows.

This decision was made to ensure each of the carmakers would be able to offer the best displays with many of them importing show vehicles and concept cars from their international partners.

Although there are no final numbers on how many cars will be on display, Soeseno said the space that the carmakers are booking is far greater than in previous years with most stands likely to be between 500 and 700 square meters.

The total space available for the show is 10,000 square meters, of which he said about 90 per cent was taken up with the carmakers' display stands.

In previous years many companies only took about 250 square meters each but this year they are booking space more than double that area.

"The Auto Expo this year is to show to the audience that the existing auto industry could support and provide transportation for the government and the national development.

"In a positive way of thinking we are trying to promote our product to other people and say that this is what we can do and how we can serve our people," Soeseno said.

He said that although the show was largely aimed at the public, it also provided an opportunity for the whole industry to show the government that it was serious about and capable of developing the Indonesian automotive industry, even under the present national car policy.

"We want to make the government start thinking about our position," Soeseno said.

"We cannot market and we cannot sell because the competitors are given such big exemptions from the import duty and luxury taxes.

"On the other hand we have to pay and we cannot import in the way that Timor can."

However, he said the Auto Expo proved that the industry was prepared to press on and make the best of the present conditions.

To emphasize this he said he was expecting the carmakers to provide plenty of exciting new models and show cars.

Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see Bimantara's new Indonesian-badged cars, the 1500cc Cakra and the 1600cc Nenggala. The company also hopes to have on display Hyundai's latest generation concept car, the HCD III.

The HCD III combines the rugged off road potential of a sports/utility vehicle with the performance of a sporty coupe and is powered by a turbo charged 2000cc DOHC four-cylinder engine.

Ford may be showing the first of its new European product range, the small Escort which is expected to replace the Japanese-sourced, Mazda based Laser later this year.

One of the star attractions on Indomobil's Volvo stand is expected to be the 850 driven in the British Touring Car Championships.

Developed in conjunction with Tom Walkinshaw's TWR Racing, the 850 is in its third season of racing and is tipped as having a real chance for the title in 1996.

Astra's automotive division will have a host of new products and previews of vehicles to come.

Pride of place on BMW's stand will be the all new 5-Series which is intended to try and draw some of the attention away from Mercedes new E-Class, launched earlier this month.

Isuzu will be showing its facelifted Panther with the possibility of having a camper type version also on display, while Daihatsu is sure to have its new Rocky and Zebra Espass on show.

The Espass now has a 16-valve, 1600cc engine - which produces a maximum 82hp at 5600rpm and peak torque of 123Nm at 3200rpm - replacing the old 1300cc engine.

Peugeot, the other European carmaker in the Astra stable, is also expected to offer an exciting display with a 306 rally car and possibly a preview of the 406, which is due to replace the 405 about the end of this year or early next year.

Although the other carmakers have yet to confirm what cars will be shown, with the support of their overseas partners, there is sure to be something for all automotive tastes.