If further proof is needed that Indonesia is increasingly recognized as a driving force internationally, the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) opened bigger and better than ever on Thursday.

Automobile enthusiasts and industry players alike swarmed the JI-Expo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, for the event, which organizer the Indonesia Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo) claims is the largest in Asia.

IIMS organizing committee chairman Johnny Darmawan said the automotive exhibition increased in size every year, and its 21st edition on the theme of '€œSmart Vehicle Mobility'€ was the biggest ever in setting a new milestone.

'€Usually we lose out to the exhibition in Bangkok, but now IIMS is the largest automotive exhibition in Asia,'€ said Johnny , who is president director PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM).

This year'€™s IIMS, to be held until Sept. 29, occupies a space exceeding 75,000 square meters, with 36 sole agents (ATPM) and 276 supporting industries participating. Last year, the space was only 70,000 square meters and 35 ATPM with 260 supporting industries participating.

The ATPM now also bear the same theme as the exhibition, '€œSmart Vehicle Mobility'€, through their latest technology.
'€Their participation in the current IIMS shows their commitment to advancing the automotive industry in our country. We hope such support will continue in the coming years,'€ said Johnny.

TAM has a booth with the theme '€œSmart Mobility for a Better Tomorrow'€, and presents 25 products, while two of them are considered very special, giving a surprise to visitors.

Toyota'€™s booth will be 2,640 square meters consisting of a 2,100 square meter indoor booth in Hall D and a 540 square meter commercial booth outdoors.

TAM marketing director Rahmat Samulo said the theme '€œSmart Mobility for a Better Tomorrow'€ was based on the spirit of Kaizen Toyota to present a better tomorrow through its spirit of continuous improvement, so Toyota would present not only its vehicles but also its spirit for a better tomorrow both from technological and environmental perspectives.

Additionally, the values and philosophy of '€œSmart Mobility for a Better Tomorrow'€ are also clearly depicted from the products and programs organized by Toyota at IIMS 2013.

At IIMS 2013, Toyota will display 27 units of vehicles in total, consisting of 20 units at the Toyota booth, five units at the commercial booth and two special exhibits, namely Fun Vii and TS030 Hybrid Replica.

The Kaizen Toyota'€™s '€œspirit for a better tomorrow'€ is reflected not only in the vehicles exhibited here but also in the programs designed for and involving Indonesia'€™s young generation, thus showing Toyota'€™s real commitment to the environment and education.

Johnny said Toyota'€™s participation in IIMS 2013 was part of its regular agenda and a reflection of the company'€™s support for the advancement of the national automotive industry.

'€Carrying the theme '€™Smart Mobility for Better Tomorrow'€™ at IIMS 2013, Toyota wishes to present a continuous spirit for always moving forward,'€ he said.

Meanwhile, Daihatsu Astra Motor has a booth with the theme '€œCompact ECO Mobility Best Friend'€ and will exhibit a conceptual car as educational media, as well as introducing Daihatsu'€™s initiatives for a compact and eco lifestyle.

Daihatsu will display 16 units in its premiere presentation, including five concept cars, which include the Ayla World.

This year, two new global car makers will also participate, namely Japan'€™s Datsun and Renault from France.

Other brands participating for the first time are Land Rover, along with another premium brand, Jaguar. Brands participating regularly are: Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Daihatsu, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, KIA, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Peugeot, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Tata Motors, Toyota and VW.

Commercial vehicle brands exhibited at the event are: Dyna, FAW, Foton, Fuso, Hino, Isuzu, MAN Trucks, Tata Motors and UD Trucks.   

IIMS plans to keep pampering visitors with attractive programs that contain challenging, educational aspects. One activity, such as Test Drive, is regularly held and many visitors are interested in it before any transactions. This year, more variety of obstacles will be added to prove the vehicles'€™ sturdiness and durability. There will be two test drive areas available, both 2-kilometers long.

Entertainment such as stunt shows will be included in IIMS 2013, where professional driver Russ Swift will present his driving skills, which are always enjoyed by IIMS visitors.

Gymkhana Race War is a new challenge at the event. It combines speed, timing accuracy and skillful driving on the track. It consists of both drifting and slalom techniques in one track that has a number of obstacles: 180 degrees, 360 degrees and a figure of eight.

'€œBoth visitors and automotive fans will enjoy the spectacular speed, skill and accuracy of about 60 racers for two days on Sept. 27 and 28,'€ said Dyandra Promosindo automotive division manager Abiyoso Wietono.

The organizer is providing a free shuttle bus service available in the following locations: Pondok Indah Mall 2, Plaza Senayan, Central Park, Margo City, Tamini Square, MAG and Carrefours at Puri Indah, Lebak Bulus, Cempaka Putih and MT Haryono.

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