Tag Archives: Indonesia

NEWS

GROW Design enters Indonesian market, offering tuning and aerodynamic components

GROW Design has officially entered the Indonesian market through a distribution agreement between GROW International and PT TCD Asia Pacific Indonesia.

The agreement for the distribution and sale of tuning and aerodynamic components was signed on 30 October 2026 by Masahiro Sasaki, Chairman of GROW International and founder of GROW Design, and Hiroyuki Mishima, President Director of PT TCD Asia Pacific Indonesia.

The signing was witnessed by Simon Loh, Managing Director of GROW International, and Peggy Gozali, Director of PT TCD Asia Pacific Indonesia. Also present were Kenzo Nishiwaki, President of Toyota Customizing & Development (TCD Japan), and Hiromu Ishizawa, President of TCD ASIA.

During the visit, representatives from GROW International and TCD also met with Hiroyuki “Heru” Oide, Marketing Director of Toyota-Astra Motor.

Understated styling that preserves the original identity

GROW Design is an automotive tuning and parts brand that focuses on elegant, understated exterior styling while improving aerodynamics without compromising the original appearance of performance vehicles.

Its philosophy prioritises a balance between design and function, with performance enhancements that complement each vehicle’s character and intended purpose.

Its product range includes:

  • Aerodynamic body kits and components.
  • Carbon-fibre components.
  • Spoilers and rear wings.
  • Diffusers and side skirts.
  • Fender extensions.
  • Suspension systems.
  • Exhaust systems.
  • Performance seats and interior components.

Malaysia-based global distributor

GROW Design products are exclusively distributed worldwide by GROW International, a Malaysia-headquartered partnership between Wing Hin Motorsports and GROW Japan.

Hong Kong and Malaysia became the first two markets outside Japan to appoint GROW Design distributors, in September and October respectively. Discussions are also underway to appoint distributors in several other regions.

GROW International is also set to offer its full product range through Toyota’s official dealership channels in Japan.

NEWS

MODENAS Brusky 125 officially launched in Indonesia; priced at around RM6,000

Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (MODENAS) has officially launched the MODENAS Brusky 125 scooter for the Indonesian market.

The 125 cc model is offered as a fully-imported Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit from Malaysia and is distributed by PT Kawasaki Motor Indonesia (PT KMI).

The MODENAS Brusky 125 is priced at Rp 26,500,000 (approximately RM6,027).

Specifications

Essentially a sibling to the Karisma 125, it is powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder 125 cc engine producing 9.4 hp and 10 Nm of torque.

Power is sent to the wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and belt final drive.

Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks up front and a single shock absorber at the rear, while braking is managed by a front disc and rear drum combination.

Other key features include:

  • 14-inch wheels
  • LED lights
  • Semi-digital instrument panel
  • 770 mm seat height
NEWS

Mitsubishi Xpander facelift now features six airbags!

Mitsubishi has updated the offerings for its popular MPV model, the Xpander, for the Indonesian market.

There are no changes in terms of power, meaning the Xpander still retains its 1.5-liter MIVEC engine that generates 104 hp at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 141 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

There is a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

However, there is one significant change: the standard version of the Xpander now comes with Active Yaw Control (AYC), which was previously reserved for the Xpander Cross model only.

In terms of exterior appearance, the Mitsubishi Xpander facelift features several minor changes.

For instance, the T-shaped headlights now have a smoked effect, followed by a grille structure enhanced with horizontal silver stripes and vertical openings at the bottom.

Additionally, both the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, while all four corners are fitted with new 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Xpander Cross variant, on the other hand, carries a more aggressive and rugged look, including an X-shaped grille panel design, sturdier-looking front and rear bumpers, and exclusive 17-inch wheel designs.

Inside the cabin, both the Xpander and Xpander Cross come with several updates, such as an eight-inch digital cluster screen and a ten-inch central screen complete with capacitive function buttons.

The second-row seats also feature an armrest in the center along with a bottle holder.

Moreover, the Xpander facelift now comes with six airbags, a highly welcomed change, although it is limited to the top variant.

In Indonesia, the Mitsubishi Xpander is priced starting from Rp 270,100,000 (RM70,642) to Rp 337,800,000 (RM88,348).

Meanwhile, the Xpander Cross is priced between Rp 338,000,000 (RM88,401) and Rp 364,200,000 (RM95,253).

 

2025 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift 

2025 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross facelift

EV, NEWS

Indonesia and KG Mobility partner to develop national car and bus project

It seems that Southeast Asian countries are racing to showcase their respective national car projects.

After Thailand, it is now Indonesia’s turn to announce its own national car and bus project, which will be supported by KG Mobility (KGM).

For your information, KGM is an automotive brand from South Korea, previously known as SsangYong.

KGM recently signed an agreement for the expansion of business and local assembly supply of the Rexton model at the headquarters of Pindad, a defense company under the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, on May 8th.

According to a report by Business Korea, KGM will examine several aspects such as competitiveness, technology, and engineering for models like the Rexton.

From this foundation, KGM plans to actively collaborate to further expand the scale of Indonesia’s national car and electric bus production project, led by Pindad, with a target of 200,000 units.

This is not the first time Indonesia has embarked on a national car project.

In 1996, a company known as PT Timor Putra Nasional (Timor) was established in response to the then-President of Indonesia’s desire to realize a national automotive industry.

During its operational years, Timor produced two vehicle models: the S515 sedan (rebadged from the Kia Sephia) and the S516i wagon.

NEWS

Suzuki S-Presso now features a Jimny-inspired body kit

At first glance, the front design resembles that of the Suzuki Jimny, but don’t be fooled by this well-executed work.

This model, which looks like a Jimny, is actually the Suzuki S-Presso, a segment A crossover produced by Maruti Suzuki for markets such as Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East.

The body kit, inspired by the off-road SUV Jimny, has been designed by the Indonesian company GH Style.

The most notable changes are at the front, where it features a new structure complete with round headlights, a rectangular grille, and a redesigned bumper that houses the fog lamp housings.

Additionally, the S-Presso is equipped with wider fender flares, followed by a rear spoiler and a redesigned rear bumper.

Lastly, all four corners of the wheel arches are adorned with new white rims.

In terms of power, the Suzuki S-Presso is equipped with a 998 cc three-cylinder inline engine that produces 67 hp and 90 Nm of torque.

While this may seem underpowered, it is more than sufficient to make the 730 kg S-Presso agile on urban roads.

NEWS

Toyota Hilux Champ SUV to be sold in Indonesia, estimated starting price below RM111k

The Toyota Hilux Champ is a budget version of the truck produced by Toyota as a more affordable alternative to the mid-size Hilux pickup.

In addition to serving as a workhorse, the Hilux Champ also has the potential to function as a passenger vehicle — providing an alternative to the Toyota Fortuner.

In Indonesia, the Hilux Rangga (another name for the Hilux Champ) will be officially offered by Toyota Astra Motor in an SUV version, featuring a three-row, seven-seat configuration.

The construction of the body for this new SUV will be handled by New Armada.

It can be said that the front section of this SUV still retains the original design of the Hilux Rangga; however, everything changes from the B-pillar backward.

Angular design elements dominate the sides and rear of the Hilux Rangga SUV, and if you notice, the roof structure is higher compared to the Hilux Rangga pickup version.

At the rear, the word “RANGGA” appears on the tailgate, accompanied by more basic-design rear lights.

The interior of the Rangga SUV features a 2+3+2 seating arrangement upholstered in leather-like material.

Due to the presence of a third-row seat, the cargo space is somewhat limited, even though the overall size is larger than the pickup version.

The Rangga SUV model is set to go on sale in Indonesia next year, with an estimated starting price below Rp 400,000,000 (approximately RM 111,000).

For comparison, the cheapest Hilux Rangga pickup carries a price tag of Rp 188,700,000 (approximately RM 53,000), while the larger Toyota Fortuner is priced from Rp 573,700,000 (approximately RM 160,000).

 

 

NEWS

Batik Air adds four new routes from KL to Indonesia

BATIK Air Malaysia has launched its latest routes from Kuala Lumpur to four more destinations in Indonesia, expanding Batik Air Malaysia’s network to a total of eight cities in the country.

According to the company, flights to Lombok have commenced on July 31, 2024, followed by the inaugural route to Surabaya on August 1.

Additionally, flights to Pekanbaru and Padang will commence on August 10.

In a statement, Batik Air said these new routes will significantly enhance connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia, providing travellers with more options to explore Indonesia’s diverse attractions.

The airline will be operating 14 weekly flights to Surabaya, four weekly flights to Lombok, and seven weekly flights each to Pekanbaru and Padang.

Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, stated that the new routes will foster stronger ties between Malaysia and Indonesia by promoting greater cultural and economic exchange.

“Expanding our network not only meets the growing demand for travel but also supports economic growth by facilitating smoother business transactions and partnerships,” he commented.

Additionally, he emphasised KLIA’s strategic role as a pivotal Umrah hub, serving as a transit point for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, especially those from Southeast Asia.

Currently, Batik Air is operating direct flights to Jeddah and will soon commence flights to Madinah in August.

“With the addition of these new routes, KLIA’s connectivity and capacity are further enhanced, offering more convenient options for pilgrims and boosting its status as a major international transit hub,” he said.

EV, NEWS

Hyundai, LG open first EV battery plant in Indonesia

Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution inaugurated the opening of the first electric vehicle battery production plant in Indonesia last week.

With an annual battery cell capacity of 10 Gigawatt-hours (GWh), the plant is capable of supplying the battery packs needed for over 150,000 EV units, starting with the Kona Electric followed by various Hyundai and Kia models.

The opening of the plant is part of both parties’ commitment to invest up to $9.8 billion (RM46.14 billion) to develop the EV supply chain in the largest economy in Southeast Asia.

 

 

Hyundai and LGES are also prepared to develop the second phase of the plant involving a $2 billion (RM9.42 billion) investment to increase the annual battery cell capacity by 20 GWh.

Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, explained that the battery plant will strengthen Indonesia in the global EV supply chain.

“This is the first and largest EV battery cell plant in Southeast Asia, and I believe we will be able to compete with other countries due to the availability of nickel, bauxite, and copper resources here,” he said.

Indonesia has the world’s largest nickel reserves, where the country imposed a ban on raw nickel exports in 2020 to encourage investment in domestic metal processing.

NEWS

Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy embarks on ASEAN tour journey

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THE Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy has commenced their ASEAN journey, making a stop at Hyundai Ara Damansara today before continuing their travels.

The journey commenced on November 20, 2023 from the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) before arriving in Malaysia.

Following a flag-off session this morning, the convoy will proceed on a three-day journey through Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Batu Ferringhi.

After Malaysia, they will enter Thailand for a four-day stretch, with stops in Hat Yai, Chumphon, Wat Phra Boromthat, Klai Kangwon Palace, and Bangkok.

From there, they will travel to Cambodia for three days, passing through Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Banteay Srei, before journeying to Vietnam and concluding in Ho Chi Minh City on November 30.

The three-car convoy from HMGICS is also accompanied by two units from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI).

These cars are driven by 24 participants representing Hyundai, club members, local influencers from ASEAN, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) from Indonesia and Thailand.

This 2,751km journey is an initiative of “Go Far with Zero Worries,” showcasing the long-distance capabilities of the Ioniq 5 in addition to its eco-friendly nature.

“Our aspiration for this expedition is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Ioniq 5, in efforts to alleviate user skepticism and concerns about EVs, especially in this region,” said Youngtack Lee, President of Hyundai Motor ASEAN.

“This journey not only makes history among many stakeholders but also demonstrates smooth cross-border relations and cooperation. The expedition serves as a catalyst for positive change and technological innovation,” Hyundai stated in a press release.