Jakarta. Despite Indonesia’s push to electrify vehicles and growing consumer interest in electric cars, Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors says it will continue prioritizing fossil-fuel vehicles in the domestic market.

Atsushi Kurita, president director of Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia, said on Tuesday that demand for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles remains strong in Indonesia, making conventional models Mitsubishi’s main focus.

“In Indonesia, we are still concentrating on ICE because demand remains very high and we already have vehicles known for their durability. So ICE continues to be our primary focus,” Kurita was quoted as saying by Antara.

Kurita noted that globally, Mitsubishi already offers a broad portfolio of environmentally friendly vehicles, including electric and hybrid models in several countries. However, for Indonesia, electrification will be rolled out gradually, starting with hybrids, which the company sees as better aligned with market conditions and consumer readiness.

“We plan to introduce hybrid cars this year for the Indonesian market, but we will continue to pursue a multi-pathway strategy,” Kurita said.

The approach allows Mitsubishi to deploy different powertrain technologies depending on local needs while giving consumers time to adapt before transitioning fully to electric vehicles.

Mitsubishi has already launched hybrid models in Thailand, but has yet to disclose which hybrid vehicles will be brought to Indonesia.

The automaker is not alone in taking a cautious approach.

Toyota Astra Motor is also prioritizing hybrids before making a full shift to EVs.

Toyota Astra Motor marketing director Jap Ernando Demily said the company’s expanding hybrid lineup across multiple segments reflects its commitment to providing mobility solutions that match “the preferences of Indonesian consumers.”

During the Indonesia International Motor Show, Toyota showcased its Veloz plug-in hybrid, offered from Rp 303 million ($18,000) through June 2026 with promotional discounts. The company also introduced a plug-in hybrid variant of its premium family MPV, the Alphard.

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