Car Sales Surge in May 2026, Up 14% YoY

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The national car market regained momentum in May 2026. After taking a hit during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period in March, wholesale car sales from factories to dealers managed to penetrate 69,219 units in May. Based on data from the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries (Gaikindo), this figure rose 14% compared to May last year, which was recorded at 60,697 units. On a monthly basis, May sales were indeed lower than April, which reached 80,779 units. However, the figure still demonstrates relatively resilient vehicle demand amidst challenges from consumer purchasing power that has not fully recovered. Astra group’s dominance remains unchallenged. In May, sales of brands under Astra reached 38,768 units, consisting of Toyota-Lexus at 24,983 units, Daihatsu at 11,140 units, Isuzu at 2,570 units, and UD Trucks at 75 units. With this achievement, Astra controlled about 56% of the national car market in May 2026. Outside of Astra, Mitsubishi was the brand with the largest sales in May, at 6,537 units. Suzuki followed with 6,108 units, while BYD and Denza recorded sales of 1,105 units. Interestingly, the ‘Others’ group, comprising brands outside those mentioned, recorded sales of 10,505 units in May. The low-cost green car (LCGC) segment remains a pillar of the market. LCGC sales in May reached 8,232 units, although slightly down compared to April’s level of 8,992 units. The LCGC market share of total national car sales remained around 12%. Cumulatively, national car sales throughout January-May 2026 reached 359,015 units. This figure grew approximately 12.6% compared to the same period last year, which was recorded at 318,944 units. Toyota-Lexus remains the largest contributor to the market, with cumulative sales of 111,560 units up to May. The next positions are occupied by Daihatsu with 59,420 units, while Mitsubishi posted 41,904 units and Suzuki 30,262 units.