Car sales in Indonesia are down by 18.4 per cent year-on-year this July despite growing sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Data from the Indonesia Automotive Industries (GAIKINDO) revealed that a total of 60,552 new vehicles were sold last month, down from 74,230 units sold in the same month last year.
BEVs AT THE LEAD
Per vehicle category, sales of 4×2 vehicles were the highest, totalling 34,383 units for the month of July. Second, sales of BEVs follow with 8,923 units sold and slightly improving from June’s figures of 7,762 units. 4×4 vehicle sales came in third with 1,989 units sold. Pick-up truck sales follow closely, selling 1,746 vehicles last month. Sedan and bus sales sold the least, with 300 units and 331 units sold respectively.
BEV sales have risen significantly in the last year, especially in early 2025. Total sales from the first quarter of the year jumped by 42 per cent compared to the same period last year. Now 3 months later, the trend continues with China-branded BEVs taking the lead.
The increase in low-emission vehicle sales can be attributed to Indonesia’s own government efforts. These efforts include financial incentives for both buyers and manufacturers. Currently, the government is considering adding more incentives to boost production of green vehicles, specifically hybrids.
SALES DECLINE IN THE TOP 5
Majority of car brands showed declining sales for the month of July. Though the top 10 best-selling brands of the month were Japanese, BYD and Chery held their own in sales figures.
Toyota, still dominating the market, sold 18,905 vehicles and acquired 31.2 per cent market share last month. Despite this, the auto giant saw a 30.3 per cent decline in sales year-on-year. Cumulatively, its sales are also down 9 per cent YoY, selling 142,751 vehicles so far in 2025.
A subsidiary of Toyota, Daihatsu ranked second in vehicle sales. The compact vehicle manufacturer sold 10,451 units in July and acquired 17.3 per cent of the market. Like its parent company, sales also declined YoY for Daihatsu by 24.9 per cent.
Ranked third, Suzuki sold 6,010 vehicles and acquired 9.9 per cent market share. Though its sales are comparatively lower than Toyota, the Shizuoka-based automaker saw a rise YoY by 11.1 per cent.
Honda follows Suzuki with 5,235 vehicles sold and 8.6 per cent market share acquired. Monthly sales declined 16.2 per cent YoY while cumulative sales declined by 29.6 per cent.
Mitsubishi and Mitsubishi Fuso sold 5,011 and 1,871 units respectively. Both brands entered the top 10 with 8.3 per cent and 3.1 per cent of market share acquired respectively. Mitsubishi Fuso’s decline YoY was calculated 16.5 per cent, while Mitsubishi’s was 10 per cent.
CHERY AND BYD IN THE TOP 10
BYD placed sixth in the top 10 with 2,335 vehicles sold. While the EV giant acquired only 3.9 per cent of the market, it also saw a 21.3 per cent improvement YoY. BYD is one of only 3 brands in the top 10 to increase its sales.
Isuzu followed closely with 2,190 units sold and 3.6 market share acquired. Its sales also declined by 7.6 per cent.
Chery, though placing 9th, increased sales by a whopping 104.2 per cent. It sold 1,593 units in July with 2.6 per cent market share acquired.
In the 10th spot is Hino Motors, with 1,464 units sold and 2.4 per cent market share acquired. Unlike Chery, Hino’s sales declined by 38.2 per cent.
LOSS OF INTEREST
Though Indonesia’s economy grew by 5.1 per cent YoY, its consumers having a waning interest in the auto market. Indonesian consumers are more hesitant to spend on big purchases, prompting the Bank of Indonesia to decrease its interest rates from 6.25 per cent to 5.25 per cent.
Source: afma