Jakarta. New vehicle sales in Indonesia rose significantly in May after the sluggish performance in April when purchases declined amid the Ramadan holidays.

According to the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association, or Gaikindo, monthly vehicle sales stood at 82,097 in May, compared to 58,911 a month earlier.

Astra Group, which relies heavily on Toyota and Daihatsu vehicles, sold 46,873 cars to control 57 percent of the market share in May.

"The return of normal work days in May after many holidays in the previous month became a factor for the 35 percent rise in our monthly sales,” Asrtra Group Head of Corporate Communications Boy Kelana Soebroto said on Friday.

Toyota and luxury brand Lexus recorded 28,528 sales to retain the status as the market leader, while Daihatsu sold 16,009 vehicles.

Isuzu, the third Japanese brand operating in Indonesia under Astra Group, only reported 2,169 sales. Astra also sold 146 UD trucks and 21 Peugeot cars in May.

Honda is ranked third overall after selling 11,158 new vehicles, followed by Mitsubishi (7,637), Suzuki (6,377), Hyundai (3,030), China's Wuling (2,119) and Nissan (152).

During the first five months of the year, the national auto sales totaled 423,404, with Astra Group controlling 55 percent of the market share.

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