JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – Car sales is expected to grow by 7.53% to reach 1.2 million units, compared to 1,116,000 units in 2012 though the government raises subsidized fuel price by 44.4%.

Jonfis Fandy, marketing director of PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM), said car sales will continue grow in the second half of this year although the government will raise subsidized fuel price to Rp6,500 per litre from current Rp4,500.

Data from Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers Association (Gaikindo) shown that car sales in January-May 2013 period grew by 14.8% to 497,670 units, compared to 433,515 units in the same period of 2012.

Meanwhile, Astra Group sold 268,072 units of car in January-May 2013 period, holding 54% of total car market share. Sales of Toyota brand reached 180,161 units, Daihatsu 73,564 units, Isuzu 13,419 units, Peugeot 115 units and UD Trucks 813 units.