Daihatsu Not Rushing to Expand EV Line, Large Market Outside Greater Jakarta a Key Consideration

PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) has opted not to rush into introducing pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for the Indonesian mass market. Amid the aggressiveness of several brands, particularly from China, in launching electrified vehicles in major cities, Daihatsu considers that the market and consumer character is still dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, especially outside the Greater Jakarta area. Marketing & Corporate Function Director of PT Astra Daihatsu Motor, Rokky Irvayandi, stated that the company continues to monitor technological developments and changes in consumer needs before determining the launch timing for its next electrified products. According to him, Daihatsu is still developing environmentally friendly technology, but its implementation will be adapted to market conditions. “We continue to carry out development. However, regarding the timing, we will inform you at the appropriate time,” said Rokky on the sidelines of the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026 at ICE BSD City, Tangerang, on Saturday. According to him, this decision is also influenced by the national automotive market structure, which is still dominated by ICE vehicles. Marketing & Customer Relation Division Head of PT Astra International Tbk Daihatsu Sales Operation, Tri Mulyono, mentioned that approximately 73 percent of national car sales still come from this segment. Based on this data, Daihatsu’s current products are deemed capable of meeting the needs of the majority of consumers. In addition to market conditions, the distribution of Daihatsu consumers is also a consideration. Unlike the electric vehicle trend, which is currently more developed in Greater Jakarta and several large cities on Java, Daihatsu’s consumer base is actually stronger outside these areas. Tri explained that around 60 percent of the national automotive market is indeed on Java and 40 percent outside Java. However, Daihatsu’s sales composition is dominated by regions outside Java, contributing around 55 percent. In these areas, the development of electric car infrastructure is not as massive as in Greater Jakarta. “When talking about Daihatsu sales, we really have to look at the whole of Indonesia because the majority of our sales actually come from outside Java,” said Tri. He said the character of Daihatsu consumers, who are predominantly first-time car buyers, also means that demand largely comes from remote and rural areas. Therefore, the company continues to expand market penetration in the regions while strengthening after-sales service through more than 300 Daihatsu Mobile Service units spread across various parts of Indonesia. Although it has not yet introduced a pure electric car for the mass market, Daihatsu has begun entering the electrification era through the Rocky Hybrid. By the end of July 2026, sales of this model had reached around 800 units. A total of 300 units have been delivered to consumers, while around 500 other units are still on the waiting list with an estimated delivery time of one to two months. Daihatsu emphasised that it will continue to monitor the development of the electrified vehicle market in Indonesia. In addition to considering global technology trends, the company will also look at infrastructure readiness, consumer needs, and the character of the national market before expanding its electrified vehicle portfolio.