Browse for the perfect car under one roof
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
People with limited time who are interested in buying a car can now browse and compare models and prices all under the one roof.
The latest mall in town promises all the conveniences and facilities for every member of the family.
Realizing that urbanites have precious little time, the management of Auto Mall Indonesia in the Sudirman Central Business District promises to indulge and pamper prospective customers.
The mall, apparently the first and largest of its kind in the country, boasts a space of 15,000 square meters in a two-story building plus a basement.
There are 20 car showrooms, 15 restaurants and shops, a car spare parts and accessories section, a 24-lane bowling alley and other conveniences such as automated teller machines (ATM) and a parking lot that can accommodate 400 cars.
Amiswanto Winata, president of the mall management PT Auto Mall Indonesia, said the mall was intended to give easy access for people interested in the latest automotive trends.
"With so many brands here, a customer does not have to go to separate car dealerships but is able to compare various types of cars from different brands under one roof.
"That's exactly what we offer. And customers can bring the whole family here as there is something for everyone," he said at the soft launch of the mall.
Those not really in the market for a new car, Amiswanto said, can simply window-shop in the mall and view the latest car models displayed by dealers.
Bentley, Daihatsu, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Jaguar, KIA, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Porsche, Range Rover, SsangYong and Toyota already have showrooms while Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, VW, Volvo move in next month.
Harley Davidson will also open a showroom next month.
Amiswanto said investment in the mall hovered at some Rp 25 billion (US$2.8 million) while the actual investment was higher as each tenant also invested in their own premises.
"I don't know how much each tenant has spent on a showroom or shop," he said.
Meanwhile, company commissioner Darma Eddie Salim said that each dealership had invested at least Rp 300 million in their showrooms, excluding the value of the cars, while a restaurant spent some Rp 500 million to Rp 1.5 billion each.
He also said that the 24-lane bowling alley was worth more than Rp 10 billion.
When asked about other investments, Amiswanto said the company was eyeing Surabaya, but he could not provide a detailed time frame.
"We have to consider the domestic economic situation before expanding our operation. Maybe we can do it in another three or four years.
"On the other hand, we cannot prevent other businesspeople from copying the concept and establishing their own automotive mall as long as they do not use our trade mark," he said.
Amiswanto said the establishment of more automotive malls would mean the creation of more jobs and that was more important than just seeking profit.
When asked about the involvement of Tommy Winata, Amiswanto said that the tycoon had nothing to do with the mall other than allowing the mall to be constructed on his land.
"We have permission from the landowner, Tommy Winata, to use the plot of land for four years because he could not build an office tower on the site due to the economic crisis.
"After the four years, we'll have the option to extend the contract as long as Tommy is still unable to start construction. We will be informed one year in advance if construction is about to begin," he added.