Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia (IAMI) Director, Rodko Purba, revealed that Isuzu Traga exports from Indonesia are planned to be expanded in 2024. Last year, they had exported Traga to 16 countries, and in 2024, Isuzu aims to enter new export markets for this medium pickup commercial vehicle segment.
“We plan to expand to about two more countries this year,” said Rodko during an interview on the first day of Gaikindo Indonesia International Commercial Vehicle Expo (GIICOMVEC) 2024 on Thursday (7/3/2024) in Senayan, Jakarta.
The targeted countries for expansion are located in the Latin American region, but specific details were not disclosed.
Isuzu Traga is the only Indonesian-made Isuzu vehicle that is exported and sold overseas. This model has been fully shipped (completely built up/CBU) since 2019.
According to data from the Indonesian Motor Vehicle Industry Association (Gaikindo), CBU Traga exports in 2023 amounted to 7,058 units, reflecting a 14.5 percent decline compared to the previous year, down from 8,254 units.
The Philippines was the top destination for Traga exports from Indonesia, with a volume of 6,216 units in 2023. Other destination countries for Traga exports include Laos, Myanmar, Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Trinidad, Honduras, St. Lucia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Grenada, and Barbados.
“We have good sales in the Philippines. Last year, the Philippines remained the dominant export destination. Of course, we also want to enhance competitiveness to strengthen our position there,” said IAMI President Director, Yusak Kristian Solaeman.
“In terms of the product, we have had good acceptance in the Philippines. Our main challenge lies in cost competitiveness and other areas that we need to continuously improve,” he added.
Yusak believes that Traga export volume could grow by a double-digit percentage in 2024, with a potential increase of at least 10 percent.
“Hopefully, we can achieve a 10 percent growth,” he concluded. [Xan]
