Indonesian Hybrid Market Rises Leaves, Mercedes-Benz: We Are Open, But The Future EV

Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV 350e PHEV. (Doc. Mercedes-Benz USA)

JAKARTA - Some time ago, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed that there was no additional policy around the country's automotive industry. In a sense, the government does not impose regulations on hybrid vehicle incentives in Indonesia.

This decision does not make producers stop to launch hybrid cars in Indonesia. One example is that Hyundai launched the all-new Santa Fe which made it it its first hybrid model in the country.

Honda also entered this market last year through all-new CR-V and all-new Accord. It is possible that the brand will also add to its line with Step WGN. Well, what about other automotive players in Indonesia like Mercedes-Benz?

Responding to this, Sales & Marketing Director of PT Inchcase Indomobil Distribution Indonesia, Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto said his party was open to entering the hybrid line into the local market but it all depends on market demand.

"We are open to new technologies, including hybrid, but we are still waiting for market demand and competition in the premium segment before deciding to introduce the hybrid," said Kariyanto when met by the media at Wisma Habibie-Ainun, Kuningan, Jakarta, Wednesday, November 13.

However, he argues that EVs are future mobility even though the current market conditions in this segment are uncertain.

"Electric cars remain the future, although growth is not as fast as expected," added Kariyanto.

Now, PT Inchcape Indomobil Distribution Indonesia has only provided a pure EV line from the Mercedes-Benz brand in the environmentally friendly vehicle segment.

In Indonesia, this premium brand has sold several EV models such as EQA, EQB, EQE Saloon and SUV, as well as EQS Saloon and SUV.

Rivalnya seperti BMW telah menjual kendaraan hybrid pada model XM dengan teknologi plug-in hybrid di Indonesia. Super SUV ini dibanderol dengan harga Rp6,4 miliar On The Road DKI Jakarta.