Gaikindo auto expo kicks off on Friday
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
This year's Gaikindo Auto Expo will offer something different, with visitors being treated to the latest innovations from carmakers in the alternative energy field.
Market leader PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), the Indonesian arm of Japan's Toyota Motor Corp., will display the Toyota Fine-S, which is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, and features a Toyota Prius cutaway engine that can be viewed by the public. The Prius was the first hybrid car to be mass produced and marketed in Japan back in 1997.
"These two cars will be the highlights of the event," TAM president director Johnny Darmawan told The Jakarta Post.
The 10-day expo is scheduled to be officially opened on Friday by Minister of Industry Andung A. Nitimihardja and will be attended by 150 participants, including 25 automakers.
German carmaker PT DaimlerChrysler Indonesia will exhibit its A-Class fuel cell, which emits water. The car is currently being tested in Singapore for everyday use.
A call for green energy has been conveyed by the Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers (Gaikindo) out of concerns that Indonesia has been lagging behind neighboring countries as regards public awareness of environmental issues.
Gaikindo will also organize a two-day seminar on "The Indonesian Automotive Industry and the Global Environmental Challenge" on Monday and Tuesday, which will feature speakers from Japan, South Korea, India and China.
Apart from highlighting the need for greener fuel, the organizers expect to see 200,000 visitors attend the expo and total sales of Rp 1 trillion (US$102 million) -- higher than the latest expo in 2003 when sales reached Rp 600 billion.
Gaikindo has projected that car sales will reach about 550,000 units this year, much higher than last year's 483,000 units. The association has yet to revise its sales targets, despite the increasing prices of oil and steel.
Some carmakers are expected to introduce their latest products: the Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Tucson, Suzuki Swift, Ford Focus and Mazda3.
As for the premium market segment, producers will display the super-premium Rolls Royce Phantom; DaimlerChrysler's Smart Roadster mini and the already-launched Mercedes-Benz CLS; Jaguar's X-Type Estate and XJ 3.0; the Bentley Flying Spur and the Porsche Boxster 987.
Tickets cost Rp 20,000 on weekdays and Rp 25,000 on weekends, with each visitor having the chance to win a Fortuner. (006)