JAKARTA. PT Indomobil Sukses Internasional Tbk (IMAS) together with Inchape Motors Private Limited, have been appointed by Mercedez-Benz to handle the Mercedes-Benz business in Indonesia.

Josef Utamin, Director of IMAS, said that the appointment was preceded by the signing of a number of related documents by the company, Inchape and Mercedes-Benz. "We are sure that our participation as a local company with Inchape and Mercedes-Benz will also support the development of the Indonesian automotive industry in the future," said Utamin.

For the record, Mercedes-Benz's manufacturing activities in Indonesia were previously handled by PT Mercedes-Benz Indonesia. Meanwhile, import and distribution activities are held by PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia.

By signing the sale and purchase agreement for the Mercedes-Benz factory and distribution unit, IMAS and Inchape through a joint venture company will become the new owners of the Mercedes-Benz business in Indonesia. The portion of Indomobil's shareholding in the joint venture company is 30% and Inchape 70%.

"We are very pleased to be able to expand our business in Indonesia, with the transition of Mercedes-Benz operations into a joint venture with Indomobil," said Ruslan Kinebas, Inchcape's APAC CEO.

Meanwhile Matthias Lührs, Head of Region Overseas Mercedes-Benz Cars, said that his party is currently restructuring its business to strengthen the market in Indonesia. "We believe that Indonesia's market share is still very strong and we are pleased to meet a reliable business partner," explained Lührs. (KR/LM)