For Xpander's sake, Mitsubishi sacrificed the local Pajero Sport

Jakarta –

Mitsubishi Xpander has become a phenomenal family vehicle for Indonesia so far. PT Mitsubishi Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia has reportedly been overwhelmed to respond to his request.

In addition to being manufactured for Indonesia, Mitsubishi Xpander is also exported to neighboring countries such as the Philippines and after Thailand and Vietnam. This great interest for Xpander would have made Mitsubishi overwhelmed by the production of other cars in Indonesia. Namely Pajero Sport. Like Xpander, Mitsubishi badembles Pajero Sport in a factory owned by PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI) located in GIIC Deltamas Industrial Zone, Bekasi, West Java.

But, because of Xpander's great interest, it seems that Mitsubishi is diverting Pajero Sport production abroad to focus on Xpander's production. Pajero Sport should be imported for the Indonesian market.

Putu Juli Ardika, director of the marine industry, transportation equipment and defense equipment of the Ministry of Industry, revealed that Mitsubishi had already revealed its intention to import Pajero Sport. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation General Manager Osamu Masuko reported on the visit to Jakarta last month.

"Yesterday the CEO came in. He said that he would invest 4 billion yen to increase his production capacity, while the consumers had ordered it (Xpander). So for the moment, Pajero Sport has been imported, "he told Jakarta yesterday (27/11/2018).

In addition, in order to meet Xpander Mitsubishi's demand, Bekasi's plant capacity will be increased to 220 units per year by 2020. Thus, Xpander's production capacity should be 160,000 units out of 115 units. per year.

But pending the expansion of the production capacity of the factory, the "home" of Pajero Sport must be sacrificed to give birth to Xpander. It should not last long.

"They have only requested the temporary importation of Pajero Sport, no more than a year.Because the export demand concerns contractual problems.Although they can not develop, they use the existing facilities, "Putu said.

"In the meantime, the whole UBC is going to expand and cooperate with Nissan to deepen its knowledge," he added.

(ruk / ddn)