Mitsubishi Claims Chinese Brand Onslaught Has Not Yet Disrupted Sales

KatadataOTO – The onslaught of Chinese brands continues to be felt in the Indonesian automotive market this year. The majority are introducing environmentally friendly BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) vehicles.

Their sales figures are also quite good, especially amidst various economic challenges throughout 2025. 

As of April 2025, a number of Chinese brands have started to enter the top 10 for highest retail sales.

Nevertheless, Mitsubishi asserts that the onslaught of vehicles from China has not yet disrupted their overall sales.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“I think it hasn't been too disruptive (the presence of Chinese manufacturers),” said Atsushi Kurita, President Director of PT MMKSI (Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia) in Jakarta, recently.

However, he did not deny that electric cars from China are indeed one of their concerns.

This is because various Chinese electric cars are offered with diverse models and competitive prices. 

According to Kurita, in the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) segment, gasoline-powered or ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars still dominate. Therefore, Mitsubishi will focus on offering SUVs to consumers.

“It doesn't mean we are just relaxing, but rather being more vigilant. So far, the situation is still quite conducive,” he asserted.

To maintain Mitsubishi's sales in Indonesia, in the near future this year, the three-diamond brand will bring in a new model based on the DST Concept.

The production version of the prototype will make its global debut in Indonesia. With a 7-seater configuration, the DST Concept will fill the gap between the Pajero Sport and the Xforce.

“This product is designed for the Indonesian market. Here, three-row vehicles are very popular,” Kurita revealed.

For your information, Mitsubishi Japan has confirmed that the DST Concept will be mass-produced and marketed in several Southeast Asian countries.

Photo : Instagram/mitsubishimotorsofficial

Mitsubishi is known to have registered the production version of this model with an NJKB (Motor Vehicle Sales Value) in the range of Rp 193 million to Rp 240 million.

It is highly likely that the DST Concept will be a gasoline-powered SUV. Mitsubishi has stated that an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) model is still under study for sale in the country.

Regarding the launch time, GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show) 2025 is a potential venue for the global debut of the Mitsubishi DST Concept.