Honda plans hybrid sales in Indonesia
Most of the green car news we post about Indonesia has to do with biofuels. But now we learn that Honda is getting ready to sell hybrids in that country. The Xinhua General News Service is reporting that Honda's Indonesian subsidiary, PT Honda Prospect Motor, will test the local hybrid market bring by bringing in three Honda Civic hybrid sedans in September. The idea is to introduce the technology to Indonesians rather than for pure commercial reasons, a Honda executive said.
According to Xinhua, the hybrid premium is huuuuge in Indonesia. The hybrid Civic will cost 470 million rupiah ($51,619 US). Compare that to the most luxurious convention Civic, which is 320 million rupiah ($35,145). Almost $17,000 to get a hybrid version? Yikes.
[Source: Xinhua General News Service]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Garrett 6:46PM (7/21/2007)
Great Post...speaking of Honda hybrids...I saw a commercial the other day here in Salt Lake City where Honda was offering a free scooter to anyone who bought a Honda hybrid. It looked like a national promotion but I didn't see anything on their website.
http://equitygreen.typepad.com
Reply
Limbuncai 9:27PM (7/23/2007)
This just does not make sense. First, the price of the hybrid version is waayyyy too expensive. Secondly, have you guys been to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia? It's the place where regular floodings take place as often as somewhat-heavy rain occurs in the area. Most of the city was recently flooded up to 85% and the water level was as high as 4 meters.
Batteries mixed water? Not good. High-tech batteries equipped vehicles sold in an area known for flooding? Brilliantly NOT SO GOOD, Honda! Add other factors such as a premium in insuring the hybrid version due to higher cost than regular sedan (if the car is indeed insurable!), relatively sluggish sales of sedan types in the region (compared to small SUVs type like Kijang and such), and there's no "I am different!" motto provided to buyers as with Toyota Prius, I start to wonder what kind of introduction Honda has in mind for this car?
Reply