March 2025 Car Sales: A Mixed Bag

The Indonesian automotive market presented a complex picture in march 2025. While wholesale figures (factory to dealer distribution) experienced a slight dip, retail sales (dealer to consumer) demonstrated a notable surge, indicating evolving consumer demand.

According to data released by the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo), total wholesale car sales for March 2025 reached 70,892 units. This represents a 2% decrease compared to the 72,336 units sold in February.However, retail sales painted a different picture, climbing by 9.6% from 69,872 units in February to 76,582 units in March.

Toyota Remains the Market Leader

toyota continues to hold its position as the dominant player in the Indonesian automotive market. In March 2025, Toyota recorded wholesale sales of 22,476 units, a slight decrease of 1,921 units from the previous month. Conversely,their retail sales saw a healthy increase of 10.3%, reaching 24,614 units.

MPVs Still reign Supreme

Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) continue to be the preferred choice for Indonesian car buyers. The Toyota kijang Innova (Zenix and Reborn) led the pack with 5,353 units sold, even though this was a decrease from the 6,008 units sold in February. The Toyota Avanza followed closely with 5,069 units, and the Daihatsu Sigra secured the third spot with 4,309 units.

The continued popularity of MPVs underscores their suitability for Indonesian families and their versatility in navigating diverse road conditions.These vehicles often offer ample seating,cargo space,and fuel efficiency,making them a practical choice for many consumers.

Honda Brio and toyota Calya Round Out the Top Five

The Honda Brio,combining sales of both the LCGC Brio Satya and brio RS models,secured the fourth position with 4,000 units. The Toyota Calya completed the top five with 2,639 units. These smaller, more affordable vehicles remain popular choices, particularly among first-time car buyers.

Electric Vehicle Disruption: Denza Makes a Splash

One of the most notable developments in the March 2025 sales data was the strong performance of Denza, a Chinese brand making inroads into the Indonesian market with its Premium MPV. The electric vehicle (EV) secured the 11th position in the list of top 20 best-selling cars, with a total of 1,587 units sold.

This demonstrates a growing acceptance of EVs among Indonesian consumers, driven by factors such as increasing environmental awareness, government incentives, and the availability of charging infrastructure. While still a relatively small segment, the EV market is poised for significant growth in the coming years. For example, the Indonesian government has set a target of 2 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, supported by various policies and investments.

Chinese Brands Gain Ground

In addition to Denza, other Chinese brands are also making their presence felt in the Indonesian automotive market. Chery, with its J6 SUV, distributed 987 units in March 2025, securing a place in the top 20 best-selling cars.

The increasing popularity of Chinese brands reflects their competitive pricing, innovative features, and growing reputation for quality. As these brands continue to invest in research and development and expand their distribution networks, they are likely to become even more significant players in the Indonesian automotive landscape.

Top 20 Best-Selling Cars in Indonesia (March 2025)

1. Toyota Kijang Innova (Zenix and Reborn): 5,353 units
2. Toyota avanza: 5,069 units
3. Daihatsu Sigra: 4,309 units
4. Honda brio (RS and Satya): 4,000 units
5. Toyota Calya: 2,639 units
6. Daihatsu Gran Max Pikap: 2,581 Units
7. Mitsubishi Xpander (including Xpander Cross): 2,289 units
8. Toyota Rush: 2,127 units
9. Daihatsu Terios: 2,027 Units
10. Suzuki XL7: 1,600 units
11. Denza D9: 1,587 units
12. Suzuki carry pickup: 1,507 units
13. Daihatsu Gran Max (Blind van and Minibus): 1,504 units
14. World M6: 1,293 Unit
15. Sealion 7: 1,182 Unit
16. Toyota AGYA: 1,176 units
17. Daihatsu Ayla: 1,166 units
18. honda HR-V: 1,033 Unit
19. Daihatsu Xenia: 1,002 units
20. Chery J6: 987 units