DIGIVESTASI - The arrival of Pope Francis in Jakarta is in the spotlight, especially because of his simple choice of transportation, using the Toyota Innova Zenix Hybrid. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) Vice President Director, Bob Azam, emphasized that there was no lobbying effort for the Pope to use the car. 

“It was all arranged by the committee, Mr. Jonan. There is no endorsement, so don't think this is a lobby from Toyota. We also don't want to take advantage of the Pope's arrival for Zenix promotional benefits,” he told CNBC Indonesia in a media discussion about Bioethanol and FFV Test Drive in Karawang, Thursday (5/9/2024).

Interestingly, the car used by the Pope with the number SCV 1 does not belong to Toyota Indonesia, either from TMMIN or Toyota Astra Motor (TAM). Although Toyota often provides vehicles for delegates in international events such as the G20, this time the car was provided by the committee, not Toyota.

“If asked by the government, we are ready, but for Zenix this time it is not from us, it is from the committee,” Bob added.

Apart from the Pope, President Joko Widodo also used the Innova Zenix when returning to Bogor Palace. Bob was not surprised by this because he already knew that Jokowi often used the car.

“Mr. Jokowi does use Innova everyday. During GIIAS, he visited the Toyota booth, and when we told him that Zenix was the 'Car of the Year', he said, 'Ah, I use this every day.' From what I know, Jokowi does like to use Innova for daily activities,” Bob concluded.

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