THE Automobile Dealers Association (ADA) has postponed its biennial motor show, which was scheduled to be held at Sabina Park from February 25 to 27.

While a substitute date has not yet been decided, the ADA nonetheless expects the show to be held later this year.

ADA chairman, Kent LaCroix, attributed a number of reasons for the recent postponement of the show which has become a feature of the local motor vehicle industry.

“2010 was a difficult year for the new car dealers, as a result of the following factors; declining sales, the strong Japanese yen, hugh duties and high interest rates among other things”, said LaCroix. “We are hoping that things will improve to such a degree that we will be able to stage the motor show at a later date in 2011,” he added.

The motor show, a favourite with motor vehicle enthusiasts keen to witness the latest models and innovations in the industry, has not been held since 2007.

According to La Croix the absence of the show over the period is partly due to the recent worldwide economic downturn that has adversely affected the automobile industry, both locally and international.

The motor show was last held at the National Arena in Kingston.

Local new car dealers established the ADA in 1955, ostensibly to bring control to the motor vehicle industry and to ensure that government regulations were carried out effectively. Currently the ADA, which promotes the interests of new car dealers in Jamaica, has 19 members.