Solo officially launches Esemka car

Kusumasari Ayuningtyas, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Sat, November 10 2012, 8:36 PM

New car, anyone?: Newly launched Esemka cars are displayed at Solo Techno Park on Saturday. Local manufacturer PT Solo Manufaksur Kreasi (SMK) is selling its SUVs for between Rp 100 million (US$10,416) and Rp 140 million, and its pickup for Rp 65 million. (JP/Kusumasari Ayuningtyas)

National car Esemka, designed by local manufacturer PT Solo Manufaksur Kreasi (SMK), was officially launched in Surakarta, Central Java on Saturday.

During the launch, Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi “Rudy” Rudyatmo said the struggle to massively produce the car had been long and difficult, but the team had managed to overcome the obstacles.

Rudy said the team was launching two types of Esemka cars – the Esemka Rajawati SUV and the Esemka Bima pickup truck. Both vehicles passed their emissions tests and had obtained the type test certificate from the Transportation Ministry's Land Transportation General Directorate in October. The National Police have also issued the vehicle license and registration documents for both vehicles.

SMK's Production Control Manager, Joko Sutrisno, said the company would sell the SUVs for between Rp 100 million (US$10,416) and Rp 140 million, and the pickup for Rp 65 million.

“Our targets for the SUVs are Indonesia's local administration offices, while we're directing the pickup trucks at farmers and small businessmen,” he said. Potential buyers had to pay a Rp 2 million down payment followed by another payment worth 30 percent of the total price, Joko added.

Joko said the SMK would be collaborating with Chinese automotive manufacture Cherry to produce the cars. The production capacity would be around 100 cars monthly, he added.

He said the SMK would also be preparing official service centers in areas where the cars operated. (cor/lfr)