Auto dealers parade offerings
THE Police Officers’ Club on Hope Road in St Andrew was converted into an automotive shopping centre for the 2013 edition of the Jamaica Motor Show on Saturday.
“The Jamaica Motor Show continues to grow from strength to strength,” Ian Lyn, event organiser, told Auto.
The show started off slowly at 10 am. However, by late afternoon thousands of deal-seeking patrons filled the venue. Not even a brief mid-afternoon shower could dampen their spirits.
Corporate used-car dealers showcased their ‘wares’ as well as new-car dealers Kia Motors Jamaica and Metis Motors, distributors of the Tata Nano. Automotive support services also provided options with rims, tyres, paints, and cleaning products.
Several financial and insurance agencies were on hand offering interest rates as low as 9.5 per cent.
Title sponsor Scotiabank as well as newcomer to the auto loan market Sagicor stood out as their ‘booths’ were outfitted to provide an upscale luxury feel.
“We had intended to sell a total of 70 cars at the show. We were only short by five. Over 5,000 patrons attended,” Lyn told Auto. He also said referrals looked promising as they were in “triple digits”.
Scotiabank’s marketing programmes manager Omar Spence said he was pleased with the turnout.
“The turnout was excellent. More importantly, people came ready to buy,” he said.
Patrons who were not interested in buying a vehicle still had lots to explore.
The Jamaica Classic Car Club made their presence felt with their own show by providing two attention-grabbing machines: a Porsche 911 Targa and Dodge Charger R/T.
The Crazy Bikers were on hand to give people a taste of the two-wheel excitement. Skunk Nation appeared, showing how far car customisation and modifications could go. Race and rally cars were also thrown into the mix of attractions.
“I liked the car show. I was very interested in the Tata Nano. Kia Motors had a nice line-up too. However, I wanted more of a choice when it came to the number of dealers and financial institutions, as mine wasn’t here,” said patron Ian Seymour.