KINGSTON Industrial Garage (KIG), known for Ford vehicles in Jamaica, has taken over the local Yamaha motorcycle dealership from previous franchise holder Tropical Battery.

Last Wednesday KIG, a member of the Lascelles Group, officially launched the dealership at its Spanish Town Road headquarters in Kingston.

This marks the first time that KIG, which has been in the motor vehicle business for almost 100 years, is entering the motorbike business.

The company has in its portfolio popular motor vehicle brands, Land Rover, Subaru and Ford.

“It is our first venture in the motorcycle business, Major High Blake KIG general manager said at the launch.

Yamaha is respected worldwide as one of the top motorcycle brands.

Saying that Yamaha would “fit in nicely” with the other world class brands represented by KIG, Blake gave a commitment to after-sales service which he described as critical to the success of the venture.

“We have already acquired the necessary competence to support this,” he noted.

Blake said that the decision to enter the motor cycle market was not taken lightly, adding that the company felt that the market potential in Jamaica warranted the move.

“Our first move was to do a detailed assessment of the brand and the market,” said Blake adding that market acceptance was very good. “It was a no-brainer to go with it,” he declared.

“We feel there is tremendous prospect for growing the brand,” Blake added.

The KIG general manager emphasised that the dealership would not only be selling motorbikes, but ATVs (all terrain vehicles) will also be placed on the Jamaica market

“I can see them in use here given our terrain,” Blake commented.