Chinese vehicles gaining market acceptance in Jamaica
AS A a new addition to Jamaica's motor vehicle population, Chinese vans and cars offer motorists a value proposition. With their price edge, familiar appearance and features, that proposition is starting to make an impression on the purchasing public.
"Chinese vehicles can be 20 to 40 per cent more price competitive than equivalent models, and with their high quality, more Jamaicans are beginning to add them to their line up," says Oliver Townsend, company director for China Motors Ltd.
China Motors and Worldtron are among the first dealers to sell Chinese-made vehicles in Jamaica. China Motors, now in its second year of operation, is an authorised new vehicle dealer. They acquired the exclusive license for four lines, including Great Wall, Jinbei Haise, King Long, and JAC vehicles.
On the other hand used car dealer Worldtron, has added the Geely line to their stock. Geely created waves at the recently held NAIAS auto show in Detroit when it became the first Chinese car to be displayed at a North American car show. However, they will not be available for sale there until 2008.
Mr. Townsend identifies the Great Wall and Jinbei Haise brands as being among the top three Chinese makes that have received the highest ratings from international analysts. He said these vehicles have very good prospects and he is proud to be associated with them.
He said the Great Wall brand was the flagship at China Motors. This was what they started with in late 2004 and since then over 200 units have been sold. Other lines and products came on stream later as they sought to fulfil the company's mission statement of providing vehicles and related products that offer great value to the Jamaican and Caribbean marketplace.
"The great thing is that the market can relate to our vehicles, they're very familiar in many respects to those on our road," said Townsend. This is because many Chinese vehicle producers have technological links with other car makers already established in Jamaica.
Toyota was directly involved in management structure and design of the Jinbei assembly line, including body and engine manufacture. Great Wall's petrol engine pickups are based on the venerable Toyota 4Y engine and the diesel engines on the Isuzu 4JB1 engine.
In speaking to the capability of China Motors, Mr. Townsend said they represent the best that China has to offer in light commercial vehicles, including small pick-up trucks, panel vans, passenger vans, and buses and coaches.
The pick-up trucks at China Motors start at a price range of $1.15 to $1.7 million and are available in both diesel and gas. Their range of pick-ups varies across at least 20 different types with different cab configurations and bed lengths.
Jinbei Haise minibus and panel vans start at $1.49 million, while the larger King Long brand begin at J$3 million. He is expecting to add the JAC line of trucks in the very near future.
Townsend explained that these prices are 20 to 40 per cent less than their industry counterparts because China has a lower cost production process. Operating and production costs are lower there and that general trend also manifests in the auto industry, Townsend said.
"I don't think there's anybody that can match us. We've gone way beyond giving regular service to our customers," said Townsend. He added: "We are excited what China Motors will bring to Jamaica and this includes the great price."
ADD GREAT VALUE
Townsend mentioned that China Motors now have vehicle accessories in stock such as front bars, side steps and rollovers, another step in providing vehicle related products that add great value.
'The prices are great and the vehicles are similar to the more familiar Japanese type," said Henry McCurdy, security firm proprietor of Montego Bay. "The difference though is in their service, they have all the parts available and the service is excellent. I've never experienced that before."
Clinton 'Pinky' McGann, operator of Pinky's Garage says he has never worked on any of these vehicles but he has been hearing good reports about them. People tell me... the vehicles are very reliable."
At Worldtron, two pre-owned Geely models are available, the family type HQ 3.1 for $750, 000 and the sporty MR 3.1 going at $850, 000. These are 2005 models and are only available in hatch back form. Worldtron says none has yet been since they arrived in November 2005.
"All models are equipped with standard features and we are looking to expand our line and services," said Dwayne Swaby, manager of Worldtron Ltd
"Chinese vehicles can be 20 to 40 per cent more price competitive than equivalent models, and with their high quality, more Jamaicans are beginning to add them to their line up," says Oliver Townsend, company director for China Motors Ltd.
China Motors and Worldtron are among the first dealers to sell Chinese-made vehicles in Jamaica. China Motors, now in its second year of operation, is an authorised new vehicle dealer. They acquired the exclusive license for four lines, including Great Wall, Jinbei Haise, King Long, and JAC vehicles.
On the other hand used car dealer Worldtron, has added the Geely line to their stock. Geely created waves at the recently held NAIAS auto show in Detroit when it became the first Chinese car to be displayed at a North American car show. However, they will not be available for sale there until 2008.
Mr. Townsend identifies the Great Wall and Jinbei Haise brands as being among the top three Chinese makes that have received the highest ratings from international analysts. He said these vehicles have very good prospects and he is proud to be associated with them.
He said the Great Wall brand was the flagship at China Motors. This was what they started with in late 2004 and since then over 200 units have been sold. Other lines and products came on stream later as they sought to fulfil the company's mission statement of providing vehicles and related products that offer great value to the Jamaican and Caribbean marketplace.
"The great thing is that the market can relate to our vehicles, they're very familiar in many respects to those on our road," said Townsend. This is because many Chinese vehicle producers have technological links with other car makers already established in Jamaica.
Toyota was directly involved in management structure and design of the Jinbei assembly line, including body and engine manufacture. Great Wall's petrol engine pickups are based on the venerable Toyota 4Y engine and the diesel engines on the Isuzu 4JB1 engine.
In speaking to the capability of China Motors, Mr. Townsend said they represent the best that China has to offer in light commercial vehicles, including small pick-up trucks, panel vans, passenger vans, and buses and coaches.
The pick-up trucks at China Motors start at a price range of $1.15 to $1.7 million and are available in both diesel and gas. Their range of pick-ups varies across at least 20 different types with different cab configurations and bed lengths.
Jinbei Haise minibus and panel vans start at $1.49 million, while the larger King Long brand begin at J$3 million. He is expecting to add the JAC line of trucks in the very near future.
Townsend explained that these prices are 20 to 40 per cent less than their industry counterparts because China has a lower cost production process. Operating and production costs are lower there and that general trend also manifests in the auto industry, Townsend said.
"I don't think there's anybody that can match us. We've gone way beyond giving regular service to our customers," said Townsend. He added: "We are excited what China Motors will bring to Jamaica and this includes the great price."
ADD GREAT VALUE
Townsend mentioned that China Motors now have vehicle accessories in stock such as front bars, side steps and rollovers, another step in providing vehicle related products that add great value.
'The prices are great and the vehicles are similar to the more familiar Japanese type," said Henry McCurdy, security firm proprietor of Montego Bay. "The difference though is in their service, they have all the parts available and the service is excellent. I've never experienced that before."
Clinton 'Pinky' McGann, operator of Pinky's Garage says he has never worked on any of these vehicles but he has been hearing good reports about them. People tell me... the vehicles are very reliable."
At Worldtron, two pre-owned Geely models are available, the family type HQ 3.1 for $750, 000 and the sporty MR 3.1 going at $850, 000. These are 2005 models and are only available in hatch back form. Worldtron says none has yet been since they arrived in November 2005.
"All models are equipped with standard features and we are looking to expand our line and services," said Dwayne Swaby, manager of Worldtron Ltd
posted by Smartcar Owner at 2:17 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home