Astra Introduces New Low-Cost Green Car

Jakarta Globe, Faisal Maliki Baskoro, September 19, 2012

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Astra International on Wednesday introduced its new low-cost green car, with the price tag expected at less than $10,000.

To be sold as both the Toyota Agya and Daihatsu Ayla, the car is being produced cooperatively by Toyota Motor Corporation and Daihatsu Motor Company. It is the third car collaboration between Toyota and Daihatsu, after their Avanza-Xenia and Rush-Terios models.

“We believe with the fuel subsidy difficulties, low fuel consumption cars will get a positive response,” said Prijono Sugiarto, the president director of Astra International. “The demand for environmentally [friendly] cars is increasing along with global warming. This car answers both problems.”

“The designer of the car is an Indonesian named Mark Wijaya,” Prijono added.

The car reportedly consumes just one liter for every 30 kilometers driven. The aluminum-bodied “city car” carries up to five passengers.

The car will be produced in the new factory of Astra Daihatsu Motor in East Karawang, West Java.

Amelia Tjandra, marketing director for Astra Daihatsu Motor, said the price of the car, with four variants, will range from Rp 75 million ($7,900) for the most basic option (without AC, power steering, radio) to Rp 105 million.

“The price is subject to change depending on the government’s policy [on low-cost green cars, or LCGC], but people can start booking,” Amelia said.

Sudirman MR, president director of Astra Daihatsu Motor, said the price could be below Rp 100 million if the government freed up LCGCs from additional luxury goods taxes.