The journey of Mazda is the story of one of Japan’s leading automotive brands and a company whose spirit is in its DNA with roots from the true traditions of Japan. Every detail in designing and building Mazda cars follows Japanese traditions. Although advanced robotic technology is available, Mazda has always approached car making differently, with the involvement of craftsman. Their designers and engineers are more like artisans, who seek the mastery of their skills to earn the title of ‘Takumi’ which means master craftsman. Managing the Indonesia team of Eurokars Motor Indonesia, with currently over 25 dealers across the archipelago, is Ricky Thio – President Director and Managing Director.
Prior to his assignment with Mazda, Ricky worked with other leading Japanese automotive brands, such as Honda, Nissan and Hino, in positions ranging from from General Manager to Director. With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry from sales, product planning, marketing, PR, and business development, he is currently in his fifth year with Eurokars Motor Indonesia, where he is responsible for, and listens to, Mazda customer’s voices. He plans his targets and business actions to ensure the customer satisfaction which will ultimately achieve company goals. Ricky oversees the sales department, service and parts, and accounting and finance of the company and believes, “If one wants to be successful in whatever job one undertakes, then every job, task, and endeavor should be done from the start with good intentions and continued with integrity, humility, and hard work.”
COVID-19 has greatly hit many industries and people, yet, despite the pandemic situation, Mazda Indonesia succeeded in opening 5 new dealers in 2021. In the same year, the company also its highest profit since being founded in 2017.
Ricky believes that placement of ‘the right man in the right place’ is a key factor for the business, whether be organizational structure, recruitment, employee development and placement of the human resources. Personalized service for this premium brand also plays an important role, from the moment a customer enters the dealer’s door, even if it’s only to admire the car. It is the philosophy of a journey that includes admiring the cars and the driving experience that matters for the customers. “According to the main concept of Mazda, be one with the car! It is the driver!” he added.
Ricky graduated Master of E-Commerce from Murdoch University, Perth, Australia majoring in e-commerce and a minor in telecommunication, and Bachelor of Finance from Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia majoring in finance and with a minor in accounting. During his study in Australia, he also worked in restaurants as kitchen staff to the assistant Chef de Partie. His great passion and curiosity for all things automotive, his finance education background, and a vast knowledge and network in the industry, have made him a great leader and mentor who enjoys sharing knowledge and encouraging team members to further develop the team to achieve goals.
Looking back, Ricky explained, “Mazda, consistently innovates the product and technology to meet the Asia Pacific market. Focusing the business on certain markets, such as Thailand, Australia, China and of course Japan. Aside from those countries, they have local distributors or independent distributors or joint ventures with manufacturing. Therefore, the Indonesia market, serving the medium to high-end customers, is through the local distributors at Eurocars Indonesia, a subsidiary of Eurocars Singapore. The full line up of available vehicles in Indonesia is the same as is available in Japan, along with the guarantee of availability of spare parts, hotline service and network.”
In closing, he added “Currently the model in highest demand, and also the bestseller, is the crossover SUV Mazda CX5, followed by CX3 Sport with an equal demographic of male and female customers, suitable for urban families or individuals. Customers are spoiled with the range of technology and features available such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), SkyActive engine, SkyActive body and many more which help drivers to drive safely and have the ultimate driving experience!”
