Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault, and Jusak Kertowidjojo, President Director, PT Indomobil Sukses International, Tbk, signed last Wednesday a partnership agreement to launch Renault on the Indonesian market. Renault will lay a strong foundation for future growth by first introducing Duster, locally assembled in Indonesia by Indomobil. Duster is the spearhead of the Group's international development and an iconic model that will give high visibility to the brand. Duster is the no. 1 model of the Renault Group in 2013 and winner of numerous awards around the world. Duster will be equipped with the best-in-class 1.5 dCi engine, the “global growth engine” of the Renault-Nissan Alliance which drives one out of three Renault vehicles sold worldwide, from Twingo to Laguna. This engine is considered to be a benchmark in its category for performance and fuel efficiency. It will be a brand and image promoter in Indonesia, a country with increasingly stringent emissions regulations and where fuel economy is one of the top buying criteria. Along with Duster, Renault will commercialize the premium Koleos SUV and the status-enhancing Megane R.S. These models will help to build the Renault brand as a distinctive choice in Indonesia with an emphasis on engine performance, premium image and technology. At the same time, Indomobil will be building up a tailored network to deliver an enriched customer experience, aiming for 45 showrooms by 2016 and increasing thereafter. Indomobil, Nissan's partner in Indonesia since 1981, has helped Nissan to attain market share of 6 percent to 67,000 units at the end of 2012. Today's partnership announcement marks the first step in Renault's development in Indonesia. Starting in 2015, Renault will launch tailor-made products for localized assembly that will cover the heart of the Indonesian market. Indonesia is currently leading the growth of South East Asia with a population of 250 million and a TIV of 1,100,000 in 2012 (+25 percent). Indonesia, a country that has 36 vehicles per 1000 residents, is one of the most promising automobile markets in the world. — SG
