Grand Bahama's annual Auto Show, presented by the New Car Federation, is making a move to the Circle Mall for 2012. The 7th Annual Auto Show was planned for October 27th but was moved due to the untimely appearance of Hurricane Sandy.
"We definitely felt we made the right decision about postponing," said Larry Albury, Freeport Jet Wash general manager. "We are very energized about our move to the mall, where we will have more room, be under cover, and attendees will also be able to shop, have lunch and keep their children entertained, all while buying a new car."
Supporting the annual Auto Show will be new car sales company Quality Auto, who like Jet Wash, has attended each event. "Over the past three years we have discontinued importing vehicles with large engines," said Karl Martin, general manager of GB Quality Auto Sales. "Due to the simple fact that the average market consumer, to whom the bulk of vehicles are sold, cannot afford these automobiles due to the high initial cost, because of high import duty rates and day-to-day running costs."
"Rather, we have switched our focus to reliable, energy efficient, attractively priced and styled 2.0 liter vehicles. These cars have lower import duties and the market response has been good. We are not in the business of selling what we want to sell, but listening to and selling what the market desires."
Both dealers feel it's a good time to buy a car, especially with the unique advantages that new cars bring. These include more model choices, colors and features, as well as the security of a 2-3 year warranty and qualified mechanics to work on your vehicle choice. "Our 2013 models have totally changed," noted Albury. "Smaller engines with much better fuel efficiency will be the big advantage for the consumer this year."
Helping with financial assistance to get consumers in these cars will be local banks including Bank of The Bahamas, Commonwealth Bank, Scotiabank, RBC Royal Bank of Canada, CIBC FirstCaribbean and the Grand Bahama Co-operative Credit Union. Comparison shopping will be at its easiest, with all the banks in one location.
Long-time attendee Marvin Adderley,a loan manager from CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, noted that he and his team "will be offering good terms on the car of your choice." He added "that most of Grand Bahama is not aware of what the stores in the mall have to offer. The combination of what the mall stores have, along with the deals to be had from the Auto Show, should make for an interesting weekend."
This is a sentiment agreed to by many as the support for the Auto Show this year has been very strong. "We have been pleasantly surprised by the support we have received for the event this year," said Whitfield Bain, sales manager for Quality Auto Sales in Grand Bahama. "Maintaining this event is very important to the New Car Federation of Grand Bahama and this year is no exception."
This year three insurance companies will be on hand offering quotes for potential buyers. Insurance Management, Star General and new attendee Nassau Insurance Brokers Agency (NIBA) have all signed up for Saturday's event. Well-known retailer Furniture Plus, taking advantage of the opportunity to meet and connect with new customers, will also be present.
Mall owner Hannes Babak is looking forward to the event. "We had our official opening a few weeks ago and now we welcome one of Grand Bahama's largest events," said a very pleased Babak. "The store owners in the Circle Mall are looking forward to a busy day on Saturday and we hope everyone will stop by."
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