Indian Pickup Truck Imports Could Worsen Pressure on Indonesian Manufacturers

Jakarta, VIVA — Plans to import commercial vehicles from India have drawn a response from national automotive industry players. Amid still-subdued domestic market conditions, the local industry maintains that available production capacity is sufficient to meet demand for commercial vehicles, particularly in the pickup truck segment.

According to data from the Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers (GAIKINDO), there are currently 61 automotive companies registered as members with a combined production capacity of 2.5 million four-wheeled or larger vehicles per year. Of this total, capacity specifically for lower-to-mid-range commercial vehicles or pickup trucks is recorded at more than 400,000 units per year.

National pickup truck production is carried out by a number of manufacturers, including PT Suzuki Indomobil Motor, PT Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia, PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motor, PT SGMW Motor Indonesia, PT Sokonindo Automobile, PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia, and PT Astra Daihatsu Motor.

In general, the models produced are 4x2 drive vehicles with a Local Content Level (TKDN) exceeding 40 per cent. This means the contribution of local component industries to each vehicle unit is already quite significant. Additionally, the after-sales service network spread across various regions serves as a key strength in the distribution and servicing of domestically produced commercial vehicles.

GAIKINDO Chairman Putu Juli Ardika stated that the national automotive industry, together with its supporting industries including those within GIAMM, possesses the capacity to fulfil demand for such commercial vehicles. However, he emphasised the need for adequate time so that the requested quantities and specifications can be met according to the required criteria.

“In recent years, domestic motor vehicle sales have not yet fully recovered. Distribution figures remain below one million units per year. This has impacted factory utilisation rates, which have yet to reach optimal levels,” he said in a statement received on Saturday, 21 February 2026.

On the other hand, export performance of Indonesian-made motor vehicles has shown positive results. Shipments to 93 countries were recorded at more than 518,000 units. This achievement reflects the competitiveness of national automotive products in the global market.