JAKARTA: Domestic car market is predicted to reach 850,000 units as supported by the increase of vehicle production and economic trend that continues to be conducive.Currently, various macro and micro economic factors are supporting the automotive industry to optimize the market until the end of next year, Chairman of Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries (Gaikindo) Johnny Darmawan said.This years sales is certainly above 800,000 units in minimum and its maximum market is actually reaching to 850,000 units, which is higher than Gaikindos target at 830,000 units.We are optimistic the car market will reach 850,000 units this year although its only effective for five and half months in the second half because the production of all vehicle brands has recovered and the economy continues to grow as marked with the flow of funds. Everyone is very supportive in optimizing the car market," he said, yesterday.The increased car market will also accelerate the achievement of 1 million units in 2013, including the plant expansion that will be conducted by several principals.According to Johnny who also the President Director at PT Toyota Astra Motor, Toyota sales will be optimized up to 28,000 units this month since Julys production ran normally,Therefore, the market in second half is expected to be higher than the first half as the market demand continues to increase, production and supply improved and the overall economy grows positively.PT Hyundai Mobil Indonesia Vice President Director Mukiat Sutikno said there is still a big opportunity to reach 850,000 units in car market until the end of the year."It could be achieved. I think the possibility to reach 850,000 units in the national car sales is achievable," he said.According to Mukiat, positive market sentiment and Japanese car supply that has been recovered can affect the growth of domestic automotive market until the end of this year.However, he estimates such positive trend in national car market may be affected if there is obstacle such as the increase of fuel price and interest rates on bank loans.Such obstacle may affect the automotive market growth negatively since its growth is still very fragile, he added.New Sirion releasedMeanwhile, Daihatsu management is optimistic to be able to boost low city car sales after releasing Daihatsu New Sirion.City car market trend continues to increase these days particularly in low city car segment, PT Astra International Tbk Head Marketing Division at Daihatsu Head Office Hendrayadi Lastiyoso said.Such market growth is in line with the increase of purchasing power of middle-class people in Indonesia.Gaikindos data shows that the domestic market share of low city car during the first half this year grew 3.4% compared to same period last year at 1.9%.Market share of medium city car segment for cars like New Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2, and Ford Fiesta has declined to 7.5% from last years first half at 8.1%.Meanwhile, Nissan March is still dominating the low city car segment with sales of 7,077 units.The car in that segment generally has engine capacity below 1,500 cc and sold at price below IDR150 million per unit.The release of Daihatsu New Sirion tightens the rivalry among brand holders.Astra Daihatsu is targeting to sell 500 units New Sirion per month, PT Astra Daihatsu Motors Marketing Director Amelia Tjandra said.We are optimistic the new variant will captivate the market since Sirion is equipped with lots of features that are usually found only in premium cars," he said.Those features are Bluetooth connection, a variety of information display on the speedometer panel and LED on its front and rear lights. (t06/msw)

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