'Made in Indonesia' Komodo buses to hit the street

[Indonesia promotor]

Wed, 09/24/2008 5:51 PM | Business

Malaysian-controlled automaker PT Asian Auto International (AAI)
launched its locally manufactured "Komodo" buses Tuesday, named after
the remote island in East Nusa Tenggara and its reptile inhabitants.
Industry Minister Fahmi Idris said the bus was expected to pioneer the
nation's automotive industry utilizing local experts and supporting
products to create a multiplier effect. Fahmi, of the Golkar Party,
was optimistic the country could become a full manufacturing base with
designs and engineering to match those of the global automotive
market. "The amount and proportion of locally made vehicle components
have continuously increased over the past few years," he said. Local
components used in Komodo buses now account for 50 percent of the
total, Fahmi said. "I hope the AAI will increase the proportion of
local components from 50 to 85 percent in the near future," he added.
According to the Transportation Ministry, an estimated 3.4 million
buses took to the road in 2006, with a yearly growth rate of 44.4
percent. More information: http://www.itpponline.biz/JKP240908.htm