PT Astra International Tbk's car sales in June 2018 dropped by 44.48% to 26,885 units compared to the previous month. Similarly, national four-wheeled vehicle sales slumped by 41.47% to 58,837 units. Astra's car sales decline, sharper than the national average, eroded its market share to its lowest level in the last 18 months.
The emergence of new cars like the Mitsubishi Xpander and the entry of new Chinese automotive players, namely Wuling, contributed to the erosion of Astra's market share. The Xpander and Wuling, launched in mid-2017, successfully captured the attention of the domestic automotive market. As a result, Astra's market share has remained below 50% since November 2017.
While the Avanza previously reigned supreme in the domestic automotive market, the Xpander even briefly took the lead in national car sales from February to April 2018. However, from April 2018 onwards, the Avanza reclaimed its top position. Avanza sales in the first half of the year reached 49,455 units, surpassing the Xpander's 39,948 units.