PT Mercedes-Benz Distiribution Indonesia achieved a successful first six months of 2018, increasing its unit sales to 1.816 passenger cars. The passenger cars sales growth was driven in particular by the E-Class and the SUVs. As a result, Mercedes-Benz continues to be the best-selling premium brand in the automobile industry in Indonesia.
Roelof Lamberts, President & CEO of PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia: “We are very pleased with this excellent sales number achieved during the first half of 2018. The attractive product portfolio with the new E-Class, S-Class and a full SUV range in Indonesia as well as a strong and professional dealer network are key contributing factors to this year’s success.”
Benchmark: Locally assembled E-Class becomes bestseller for Mercedes-Benz
Previously held by the C-Class, the E-Class, which is also locally assembled at Mercedes-Benz’ own assembly plant in Wanaherang, Bogor took over the crown of bestselling model of Mercedes-Benz in Indonesia. Since its launch in 2016, the E-Class has set the benchmark in terms of comfort and technology, and become the leader in its segment. More than 400 units of this model were sold from January until June. As such, the E-Class contributes to 23% of Mercedes-Benz sales in the first semester of 2018.
New equipment for the E-Class
In March 2017, the locally-assembled E 250 Avantgarde Line and E 300 AMG Line were introduced, followed by the launch of the E 200 Avantgarde Line in January this year. With the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has responded to the wishes of the Indonesian customer and recognized the importance of luxury and intelligent features as well as generously dimensioned space in the rear. From now on, the E 250 Avantgarde Line and the E 300 AMG Line will be, among other features, equipped with Ambient Lighting with 64 colours and 10 colour combinations, THERMOTRONIC 3-zone automatic climate control and Boot Lid Convenience Closing function.
“We are very happy to see that the E-Class has received the acknowledgement from its customers, making it the best of the best. Technological highlights such as the Widescreen Cockpit, Wireless telephone charging and Parking Pilot are part of the standard equipment of the E-Class. At the GIIAS, we introduce the E 250 and E 300 with extended features, adding even more convenience to this intelligent vehicle”, closes Roelof Lamberts.
35% of share: customers appealed by the SUVs
Celebrating 20 years of luxury SUVs from Mercedes-Benz in Indonesia, the SUVs made a major contribution to the sales success of Mercedes-Benz. Meanwhile, more than a third of Mercedes-Benz cars sold are in this segment. The strongest-selling SUVs in the first half of 2018 were the GLC and the GLE that are assembled in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wanaherang, Bogor.
Mercedes-Benz at GIIAS 2018: 11 display vehicles and 8 test drive cars
At the Mercedes-Benz Booth in Hall 5 A of ICE, BSD City, 11 vehicles will be displayed at an area of 882 square metres, with an additional 8 cars available for a test drive experience. The complete SUV family will be presented hereincluding the fascinating Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupé, that will see its premiere at the GIIAS 2018. Visitors may be invited exclusively to the Star Lounge including the Star Café that offers utmost comfort and convenience.
“The first semester of 2018 underscores our customers’ trust in the first-class products including the SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. From January to June 2018, we delivered 11% more new vehicles with the three-pointed star than in the same period last year, allowing us to further maintain our lead in the premium segment,” states Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, Deputy Director Sales Operations and Product Management, PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia. “At the GIIAS 2018, we are committed to have the right car available for every customer. Visitors may come to see the Mercedes-Benz Booth from 2 to 12 August 2018 and experience the wide range of products and services that we offer.”