New car models to debut in Indonesian auto show

Indonesia Vice President Jusuf Kalla opened the Indonesia International Auto Show on Thursday that sees launching of new car models from international car brands to be sold in the country.

The car show, themed "Green Technology for Better Future," and organized by the Indonesian carmakers association (Gaikindo), presented concept cars, new engine technology and latest models manufactured by domestic and international car producers.

"In several countries, the auto industry has been used as an important economy indicator," the vice president said in his opening remarks for the event that will run until Aug. 23.

Jusuf expected that the largest auto show in the country might contribute to the national economy. He added that Gaikindo's car producers should take part in the efforts to further spur the economy through technology improvements that suits to the needs of the people.

The car show that was held at the Indonesia Convention and Exhibition (ICE) center in Tangerang, Banten province, 35 km west of the capital city Jakarta.

Thirty-one car brands take part in the car show which many of them using the event as an opportunity to launch their new car models designated for the Indonesian market. The organizer said the annual car show was participated by a total of 350 exhibitors this year.

Mitsubishi used the event to unveil its new Crossover MPV car codenamed XM. The car has long been expected by car enthusiasts for its futuristic and dynamic design. The car would fill the best-selling low MPV segment in the country.

British car producer Jaguar has prepared its brand new SUV model, Jaguar F-Pace to be launched in the event. Other European car producers scheduled to launch their new cars during the event were BMW and Audi among others.

South Korean producers Kia and Hyundai would launch its latest models of All New Kia Sorento and the i20 respectively.

Meanwhile India's Tata Motors would launch its double cabin car Xenon XT D Cab all-wheel drive. Japanese car producers Honda and Toyota showcase their concept cars Clarity and Mirai respectively.

Gaikindo initially set a target to see 1,050,000 new cars sold in the country throughout this year, slightly higher from sales record last year that stood at 1,031,000 units. Endit