The Indonesian automotive market belongs to established brands, with precedence going to Toyota. Japanese have traditionally dominated this segment, but in recent years, Chinese and Korean car brands have taken momentum. Indonesian buyers prefer more budget-friendly, fuel-saving, and easy-to-maintenance models. MPV and SUVs are very popular because of road conditions in Indonesia and family-oriented culture.
Let’s take a look at the leading automobile brands in Indonesia, together with their key models, sales numbers, and ranking position in the market.
1. Toyota
- Sales in 2023: 331,410 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 1st
- Popular Models: Toyota Avanza, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Rush
For years, Toyota has been the leading brand in automobile sales within the country of Indonesia. The multi-purpose vehicle called Toyota Avanza is one of the biggest sold models with in the country because of its affordability and reliability. Other successful brands of theirs that were sold in the country included SUVs: the Toyota Fortuner and the Toyota Rush, which gained huge popularity among families and people who liked off-road driving.
Also Read: Top 10 Affordable Cars in Indonesia
2. Daihatsu
- Sales in 2023: 202,665 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 2nd
- Popular Models: Daihatsu Ayla, Daihatsu Sigra, Daihatsu Terios
Daihatsu is a sister brand to Toyota and second in Indonesia’s car market ranking. The lowest prices for car models in the country correspond to car models such as the Daihatsu Ayla and the Daihatsu Sigra; hence, Daihatsu can be included as one of the most affordable options for the consumers. Daihatsu Terios is an SUV and another bestseller, drawing in people with its reasonable yet capable alternative.
3. Honda
- Sales in 2023: 124,963 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 3rd
- Popular Models: Honda Brio, Honda HR-V, Honda CR-V
Another popular brand in Indonesia is Honda. The brand has a good reputation due to its stylish design, quality performance, and reasonable price. Its small car, the Honda Brio, is in strong demand because it is affordable and fuel-efficient, while both the Honda HR-V and Honda CR-V are SUVs that really fit most of the road surfaces in Indonesia and hence enjoy a strong appeal in the country.
4. Mitsubishi
- Sales in 2023: 96,976 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 4th
- Popular Models: Mitsubishi Xpander, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Mitsubishi in Indonesia features an MPV called Mitsubishi Xpander and the much-robust SUV named Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which was popular. This model has durability and a more spacious interior to accommodate the needs of Indonesian families and longer road trips.
5. Suzuki
- Sales in 2023: 91,750 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 5th
- Popular Models: Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki Carry, Suzuki XL7
The brand also making a hold tight in the country is Suzuki. The Suzuki Ertiga is one of the most affordable and practical MPVs from the brand, which counts among the best-selling models. The Suzuki Carry is a light commercial vehicle, and it is in wide usage by businesses due to its reliability and low maintenance cost. Suzuki XL7 has also enjoyed some buzz as an SUV for family travels but is slightly more rugged in nature.
6. Isuzu
- Sales in 2023: 26,000 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 6th
- Popular Models: Isuzu ELF, Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu is a well-renowned brand for its commercial vehicles, most specifically in the truck and light-duty lineups. The Isuzu ELF is among those extensively used commercial vehicles in Indonesia, while on the other hand, Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck favored for its toughness and capability to drive off the road.
7. Wuling
- Sales in 2023: 25,000 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 7th
- Popular Models: Wuling Confero, Wuling Cortez, Wuling Almaz
Wuling Motors is a Chinese manufacturer that has gained considerable attention in the Indonesian automotive market. Yes, people are pretty familiar with the fact that Wuling cars have full features despite their affordable price. The MPV category sees two hot models from this company: the Wuling Confero and the Wuling Cortez. On the other hand, the Wuling Almaz is actually an SUV for which people have somewhat eyed due to the advanced features it offers at a far lower price than its competitors.
8. Nissan
- Sales in 2023: 20,000 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 8th
- Popular Models:Nissan Livina, Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan has maintained its stably popular presence in Indonesia, due to models such as the Nissan Livina and Nissan X-Trail. Both their comfort, reliability of this MPV, and off-road capability with ruggedness, have made those models liked by consumers.
9. Hyundai
- Sales in 2023: 19,500 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 9th
- Popular Models:Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai is a South Korean brand that has been enjoying increasing traction in Indonesia. The Hyundai Creta compact SUV raises eyebrows with its design and modern features. Hyundai is also at the forefront of Indonesia’s EV market with its Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has enjoyed considerable interest from environmentally conscious consumers
10. Mazda
- Sales in 2023: 10,500 units (approx.)
- Market Position: 10th
- Popular Models:Mazda CX-5, Mazda 3
The expectation of a stylish design and a premium feel is always associated with Mazda. Being an SUV, the CX-5 is favored because one gets to have his fair share of taste in terms of luxury combined with performance. Mazda 3 compact sedans are favored because one gets a sleek design with reasonable fuel economy
KEY FEATURES
- Toyota leads with 331,410 units sold in 2023.
- Daihatsu secures 2nd place with budget-friendly models.
- Honda shines with Brio, HR-V, and CR-V SUVs.
- Mitsubishi’s Xpander and Pajero Sport are family favorites.
- Suzuki’s Ertiga and Carry remain popular for affordability.
- Chinese brand Wuling makes waves with affordable MPVs.
- Hyundai grows with Creta and the electric Ioniq 5.
- Mazda offers premium choices with the CX-5 and Mazda 3.
Also Read: Difference between Car, SUV, MPV, and MUV
Conclusion
Indonesian automotive markets are very dynamic, with every new and old player trying to attract consumers. Toyota still tops in this category with the wide range of vehicles it offers; however, other brands also share major parts of the market segment including Daihatsu, Honda, and Mitsubishi. Other emerging brands include Wuling and Hyundai that make noises with their cheaper but fully featured vehicles to meet the diverse needs of Indonesian buyers.
Indonesia’s automotive industry will be brighter in the future because the demand continuously grows, either for conventional or electric vehicles. That means a wider choice with better features and more performance provided under an increasingly competitive market.