Indonesia is set to get its first hybrid car in 2007, with the launch of the Toyota Prius, says a report in the People's Daily.
The Prius will go on sale in limited numbers initially to build awareness for hybrid technology in the country. Joko Trisanyoto, Marketing director of Toyota Indonesia said the sales are intended for more product and technology introduction than profit-making purposes.
"It remains difficult today to decide over how many Prius can be sold here, because the local market has little knowledge about this product,"
Indonesia is one of the fastest growing auto markets in Southeast Asia, in 2005, passenger car sales rose 21 percent to 494, 551 units. Japanese automakers are amongst the best selling car brands in Indonesia. Toyota controls an estimated 31 percent market share.
