Daihatsu Gran Max Sales Suddenly Soar, Due to MBG?
In the midst of rising competition from Chinese commercial vehicle brands, Daihatsu sees this dynamic as an opportunity to drive market growth. At the GIICOMVEC 2026 event, the Japanese manufacturer emphasised that more options in the commercial vehicle segment will expand the market, rather than merely eroding established players.
Marketing and Customer Relations Division Head of PT Astra International Daihatsu Sales Operation (AI-DSO), Tri Mulyono, stated that the presence of new players can stimulate demand.
“With many options, it is hoped that this can cater to the diverse needs of society and stimulate market growth. That is the hope,” he said at GIICOMVEC, quoted on Thursday (9/4/2026).
However, the reality on the ground shows increasingly tight competition. Several brands such as DFSK, Foton, and JAC Motor are joining this segment, bringing various innovations from electric vehicles to modern logistics solutions.
On the other hand, purchasing decisions remain with consumers and how each brand builds market trust.
“Certainly, it comes back to the customers who will decide whether the options provided can give them confidence to buy,” Tri said.
Amid the heated competition, Daihatsu’s flagship Gran Max model has recorded a positive trend. Gran Max Pick Up sales increased from around 3,300 units per month to 4,200 units, while the Blind Van variant surged from 1,200 units to 2,300 units per month. This rise occurred during the transition from the third to the fourth quarter of 2025.
One factor suspected of contributing to this surge is the growing need for operational vehicles for the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme. Nevertheless, Daihatsu admits it cannot yet confirm a direct correlation between the programme and the sales increase.
“But to be honest, we cannot identify whether this is indeed triggered by MBG,” Tri explained.
On an industry level, the commercial vehicle market is indeed showing an increasingly significant role. In 2025, this segment contributed around 27% of the total national automotive market or more than 222,000 units. In this landscape, the Gran Max remains Daihatsu’s backbone, even dominating the low pick-up segment with a market share of more than half.
Since its launch in 2007, the Gran Max has sold more than 900,000 units up to early 2026, reflecting strong business confidence in this model as an operational vehicle. In addition to competitive pricing, the model’s flexibility and extensive after-sales service make it highly competitive.
With a network of more than 260 outlets and thousands of service points across Indonesia, Daihatsu appears to rely on its distribution and service strengths as a fortress against the onslaught of new players. In this context, competition is no longer just about products but also about the service ecosystem and long-term trust.
Amid the wave of new players and changing market needs, the direction of Indonesia’s commercial vehicle industry appears increasingly dynamic.