We were talking about Japan. They have a new top seller, this used to be the Toyota Prius. Now their number one is the Nissan Note.
In many European countries that car already disappeared since the sales numbers were bad. But in Japan it is quite successful, it got a facelift and there is even an hybrid electric version which is called the e-Power, also with four wheel drive.
The reason I mention all this, is that Nissan might introduce this car over here in Indonesia.
So Nissan Motor Indonesia (NMI) already stated it is investigating and will use the (new) program of low carbon emission vehicle (LCEV) from the Indonesian government, to sell electric cars in the country.
That LCEV program, as confirmed by the Minister of Industry, will 'soon' regulate the stimulation of environmental friendly cars, including tax incentives. Thanks to the program, these cars should be(come) cheaper.
So, when will the Note go on sale in Indonesia? "We do not know yet, because we have to wait for the regulation (LCEV) to be officially inaugurated," the Vice President Director of Marketing and Sales of PT NMI in Tangerang stated. First NMI will examine every point in the LCEV regulation. It seems to be a bit of a vicious circle.
The reason the Ministry of Industry is not using the words Eletric Vehicle in LCEV, is that they would also include other technologies, such as (Plug-in) Hybrid. They expect the framework and incentive program to be operational this year. Hopefully the Nissan X-Trail, Lexus RX and Toyota Camry hybrids will become much cheaper. And a real beauty which would otherwise never stand a chance here, the full electric Jaguar i-Pace, is breaking all sales records for that brand in Western Europe.