This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Honda Brio. The celebration was carried out by PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) in conjunction with the 2022 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). Apart from being the backbone of Honda's sales, it is said that Brio will also have an electrified version.
Since it was still imported from Thailand until it was produced locally, Honda Brio managed to record sales of 453,253 units referring to the latest data in July 2022. When calculated, this car contributes at least 40 percent of the total sales of PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM).
The electrification trend that is starting to exist in the Indonesian automotive market seems to be calling HPM to compete in this segment. Indeed, no products have been officially sold to consumers, but the presence of the Accord and CR-V Hybrid at GIIAS 2022 has signaled the beginning of Honda's seriousness.
HPM's Business Innovation and Sales & Marketing Director, Yusak Billy, said that Honda would soon bring hybrid and pure electric cars to the Indonesian market. What is more interesting, the prospective electric vehicle will also be produced locally.
"For next year, we will first introduce 2 hybrid models. In the following years, the electric model will be introduced, including local production made in Indonesia," said Billy at GIIAS 2022, Wednesday (17/8).
According to Billy, a hybrid car is the right model for the Indonesian market before entering the electric vehicle (EV) era. He likens hybrid products as a bridge to educate consumers before finally using pure electric cars.
"He hopes for a full battery based. So we thought before going there (pure electricity) we need a bridge for electrification, which requires familiarization or introduction of batteries to consumers," he explained.
Introduces Honda Brio Hybrid and Electric Version
To note, Honda Brio is only produced by HPM at its assembly facility located in Karawang, West Java. Then the units that are milling about in Vietnam and the Philippines all have Indonesian ID cards.
As the backbone of Honda's sales in Indonesia, it is certainly interesting to see HPM's steps in developing the electrified Brio. Considering that several brands have sold and even produced them locally, for example, Wuling with Air EV.
Or Daihatsu which showcased a concept electric car from LCGC Ayla whose development was carried out in Indonesia and involved many local suppliers. Questioning the opportunity for the presence of the Honda Brio with hybrid or EV technology, Billy tried to open his voice.
"For electrification, Honda always looks at what market segment it is, whether it's in demand by consumers or not. I can't get information right now (hybrid and electric Brio), but what is certain is that after next year there will be other electrified cars in certain segments that will also be introduced. and produced in Indonesia in the following years," he said.
Meanwhile, Honda Global has informed its big business plan related to electrification. Their vision is that by 2024 all products from Honda in the world will carry carbon neutral standards.
"But of course and soon we will go towards full electrification, because Honda's vision is clear that by 2024 all products must be carbon neutral," concluded Billy.
