Toyota unveils new project in RI
Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta
Subsidiaries of Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Company (TMC) in Indonesia are planning a new venture to produce a multipurpose van (MPV), which they say will set a new benchmark for the world's automotive industry.
Under what the company terms the "Global Quality (GQ) Project", PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) and PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM) will produce an "international multipurpose vehicle" (IMV) at Toyota's production base in Karawang, West Java.
"The GQ Project, which involves breakthrough improvements in the areas of development, production, technology and services, is a part of Toyota's efforts to establish a new benchmark in the world automotive industry," a statement from both firms said on Friday.
"Unlike the production of other vehicles, the IMV will be created through a multinational development process and supported by a global supply network."
TMC owns a 95 percent stake in TMMIN in partnership with PT Astra International, which owns the remaining shares. Meanwhile, PT Astra International owns a majority stake of 51 percent in TAM in partnership with TMC, which holds the remaining shares.
Officials at TAM, however, are tightlipped on the nuts and bolts of the investment.
"We will reveal the figures later this year when we launch the new MPV. We haven't set a date yet," TAM marketing director Joko Trisanyoto told The Jakarta Post by phone.
However, TMC spokesman Tetsuo Kitagawa earlier put the figures at some US$180 billion.
"Toyota has decided on Indonesia as its base for MPVs in the ASEAN region, together with Thailand, which will produce MPVs and pick-ups," Kitagawa told The Post on the sidelines of the Tokyo Motor Show last October.
He said the GQ project was expected to produce 70,000 units annually, 10,000 of which would be exported to both within and beyond the region.
Many automotive analysts believe that the project involves the production of a new model of the Toyota Kijang, perhaps the most successful MPV in Indonesia.
"I cannot comment on that. Just wait and see," said Joko.
Earlier this year, TMC and Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd launched two jointly-produced MPVs, the Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia, both of which are cheaper than the Kijang.
Both models are manufactured at Astra Daihatsu (ADM) factories and sold through Toyota and Daihatsu dealerships.
PT Astra International has a 37.81 percent stake in ADM, while TMC owns 51 percent of Daihatsu.