SLK 200, Viano hit Indonesia's roads

SLK 200, Viano hit Indonesia's roads

Primastuti Handayani and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post,
Jakarta

Jakarta's poor roads and driving conditions have apparently not
deterred sports car fans from purchasing one to complete their
automotive collection.

For example, at least 30 purchase orders have already been
made for the latest SLK 200 Kompressor, launched last Friday by
DaimlerChrysler under its luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz. Meanwhile,
PT DaimlerChrysler Indonesia has also ordered 100 units from
Germany as part of a pre-production program, which ensures
customers the privilege of owning the vehicle immediately after
the official launch.

The sporty roadster convertible is a beauty to behold, and the
model on display for the press was the first unit available in
the country and in fact, the entire Southeast Asian region.

"As you can see, the SLK 200 Kompressor is already equipped
with right-hand steering wheel. This is still the pre-production
version," DaimlerChrysler deputy director of marketing Anto
Nurdiyanto said at the unveiling ceremony.

Its exterior resembles the tailor-made SLR McLaren, imbuing
the vehicle with a dynamic character, and the SLK 200's roof can
be opened or closed in 22 seconds flat, three seconds faster than
earlier models.

"Drivers will still have some storage room, although limited,
when the roof is closed. Maybe not a golf bag, but a small
briefcase will surely fit," said Anto.

Equipped with a four-in-line 1,795 cc engine, the SLK 200
Kompressor has a maximum 163 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per
minute (rpm) and a maximum torque of 240 Newton meters at 3,000
rpm.

In addition, the SLK 200 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in
7.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 230 kph -- unfortunately,
rather impossible to achieve in the capital's notorious traffic
unless it is during the wee hours. Even then, it will be no
Autobahn, and the aspiring F-1 driver must be wary of equally
ambitious taxi drivers, motocross wanna-bes, push-cart vendors
and the suicidal rat population.

DaimlerChrysler Indonesia president director Friedel Engisch
said the SLK 200 Kompressor would be available with an off-the-
road price tag of Rp 800 million (US$85,100). Mercedes-Benz would
also fill the orders of those customers who wanted other variants
-- the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG -- at its 24 dealerships
nationwide.

"If some customers are interested in buying even the SLR
McLaren, we will try and deliver," he added.

Engisch said since the SLR was a tailor-made car, a
prospective customer would be flown to Germany for a test drive
and for choosing a color and interior before placing an order.

The SLK 200 Kompressor was not the only new wheels on the
block, and was launched along with the new Viano multipurpose
vehicle (MPV).

DaimlerChrysler will also market around 100 units of the Viano
this year using the pre-production scheme. As with the SLK 200,
about 30 customers have already ordered the Rp 947.5 million
($100,800) vehicle.

The MPV meets the most stringent demands with regard to
functionality, variability, safety, comfort and convenience.

Commercial sales and marketing deputy director Stefanus
Sehonanda said the Viano was on offer in four variants: the
Ambiente, Fun, Marco Polo and Trendy. The Ambiente sports leather
upholstery and tops the range.

"The original Viano comes with six individual seats, but we
have ordered a Viano with eight seats, as we are targeting
Indonesian families with two or three children," he said.

"It is customary for Indonesians to bring along other
relatives or even their domestic help on trips, so more seats
will of course be beneficial."

DaimlerChrysler Indonesia also launched its service car fleet
of A 140s, the first ever in Southeast Asia.

"We launched a similar fleet in the Mideast last year. The
small A 140 is the best vehicle to navigate Indonesian roads,
especially in Jakarta," after sales deputy director Ivo A.
Kapitzki told The Jakarta Post.

DaimlerChrysler Indonesia held 47 percent of the 2003 market
share and aims to maintain its lead in the highly competitive
automotive race, with a sales projection of up to 2,200 cars this
year.

Now, if only the Autobahn could be imported.