KIG in expansion mode
DESPITE a 20 per cent downturn in new-vehicle sales, Spanish Town Road-based Kingston Industrial Garage (KIG) is in expansion mode.
“Vehicle sales are down at this present moment, but this does not necessarily mean they’ll be down in the future. We have to look at the future, and we think there’ll be some improvement next year,” Jeffrey Panton, managing director of KIG, told Auto.
Panton, who is also a race-car driver, has been in the driver’s seat of the dealership since 2013 when he and a group of investers acquired the dealership. The American brand Jeep was recently added to the line-up under their portfolio, which comprises Ford, Subaru and Yamaha motorcycles.
The MD explained the thinking behind the newest acquisition.
“Jeep has its own niche and is a very versatile line-up in the SUV market. The great thing about Jeep, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, is that it is the most awarded SUV in the world. Also, what attracted us to the brand was the availability of right-hand drive and diesel engines as an option, so you have a choice of gasoline or diesel,” said Panton.
The general public got an opportunity to get up close and personal with the brand at the recent Automobile Dealers’ Association Motor Show held at the National Arena in St Andrew.
Manufactured in the United States, Jeep is the oldest off-road vehicle in the world. Its origin dates back to 1941.
In March, KIG embarked on a $20-million facelift of its current structure.
“At the moment, we’re going through renovations to modernise the facility. The actual look of the facility out front will be to core standards, so the front will be recognisable to any Ford dealership worldwide,” he said.
The MD said the revamp exercise is being done on a phased basis. The service area has been completed, while the showroom and workshop will be completed by the end of next year.
“We’re moving the entire dealership forward and moderinising all aspects of the business. KIG has been around for over 100 years and we don’t intend for it to go anywhere. We’re bringing it into the future,” he said.
KIG is Jamaica’s oldest dealership, having opened its doors for business in 1908.
— Brian Bonitto
