Honda Unveils Compact MPV Purpose-Built for Indonesia

Honda stages the world premiere of its Mobilio compact prototype at the Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta, calling it the first Low Multi-Purpose Vehicle by Honda built specifically for the Indonesian market.

Honda President and CEO Takanobu Ito says the Mobilio LMPV’s design is based on a comprehensive study of the Indonesian customer’s behavior and car usage, as well as real-world road conditions.

“I believe Honda Mobilio would fulfill Indonesian customers’ dream of an affordable family car with high standard quality from Honda,” he says in a statement.

The compact MPV’s share of the Indonesian market is 32%, highest among all segments. Customers are attracted to the vehicles because of the family-friendliness afforded by their 3-row capacity. The segment consists mostly of first-time buyers for whom affordability is a priority, but who still consider quality.

Honda says results of the study were incorporated into the design and features of the Mobilio. It is 173.2 ins. (440 cm) in length, which creates a spacious cabin without making parking too difficult, the auto maker says.

A high ground clearance of 7.3 ins. (18.5 cm) is designed to handle various road conditions in Indonesia. A 104.3-in. (265-cm) wheelbase and optimum height offer high levels of maneuverability and stability, Honda says.

“Honda Mobilio will be assembled in Indonesia and become the first model of our new factory in Karawang targeted to operate in early 2014,” says Tomoki Uchida, president director-PT Honda Prospect.

Honda is taking orders at the auto show for the vehicle, which is priced from Rp150 million-Rp180 million ($13,826-$16,591).

The auto maker has on display a total of 28 cars at the Jakarta show, including the Honda NSX Concept, the latest generation of the Honda supercar that combines sport appearance and performance with the efficiency of a hybrid powertrain.

“With the world premiere of Honda Mobilio prototype, which also signifies the start of booking for this model, along with our (low-cost green car) model, (the) Brio Satya, Honda now is entering the more mass-oriented market segment and committed to provide products for all customers in Indonesia,” Uchida says.

Honda’s Indonesian sales reached 62,010 units in the year’s first eight months of this year for a 7.8% market share.