Nissan Aims to Triple Sales in Indonesia

Nissan Motor Co. COO Toshiyuki Shiga says the company expects to reach annual sales in Indonesia of 200,000 vehicles by the fiscal year ending in March 2017 compared with 60,000 units in the year ended on March 31.

Nissan has said it is spending $400 million to boost its capacity in Indonesia to 250,000 vehicles by 2014 from 100,000 units now. The company plans to introduce 10 new models in the next three years, including a line of low-priced Datsun-badged vehicles, starting in 2014.

Shiga predicts that in 2012, Indonesia's auto market will climb 12% year over year to nearly 1 million vehicles. Analysts expect demand there to be dampened in the second half by a new federal rule that requires a 25% down payment on a car purchase for buyers who seek financing. Nissan, which already mandates a 20% payment, expects its volume to surge 50% to 90,000 vehicles this year.