Daimler-Benz upbeat on RI future

Daimler-Benz upbeat on RI future

In line with its ongoing strategy of globalization, Daimler-
Benz is increasing its focus on the most important markets around
the world. The Asia-Pacific region is being given top priority.

Today, the Asia-Pacific region already provides some Daimler-
Benz business units with more than 50 percent of their trade
volume. The group currently achieves some 8 percent of its
turnover in Asia.

Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa), which has been present in
Indonesia since the 1970s, opened a representative office in
Jakarta in January 1997 and now promotes a significant part of
its product range here.

MTU and Adtranz are also maintaining their offices in Jakarta.
MTU/Diesel Engine Business produces engines for yachts, power
generation units, rolling stock and dump trucks. Adtranz, the
joint venture of Daimler-Benz and ABB, is the world's leading and
most complete rail systems supplier.

Mercedes-Benz Group Indonesia (MBGI) consists of three
companies: PT German Motor Manufacturing, PT Star Motors
Indonesia and PT Star Engines Indonesia. MBGI has been in
Indonesia for 28 years with its own production and manufacturing
facilities at Gunung Putri, West Java.

The move by Dasa and MBGI to the Deutsche Bank building in
Central Jakarta during the current economic situation underlines
the commitment and trust of Daimler-Benz to the future of
Indonesia.

And despite falling sales this year, they are increasing their
customer care program. Mercedes-Benz Group Indonesia launched an
Integrated Service Package in August 1998, which will give
customers additional value as they will enjoy free maintenance,
free repairs and free service for two years without kilometer
limitation.

They also run a successful export business with the MB/MBO 800
Turbo truck and bus chassis; the first Mercedes-Benz product
designed and developed by Indonesian engineers.

This year, they will export about 1,600 MB-800 Turbos and will
increase this figure to at least 2,500 next year.

Nevertheless, the domestic market is still and will remain
most important for them. As Mercedes-Benz Group Indonesia
president director Frank Messer said: "We believe that Indonesia
will be even stronger than before after having overcome the
crisis and that also the automotive sector will play an
increasingly important role in the future development of the
country, giving us promising opportunities."