CAR Jamaica launches with expansion in mind
Having only been in the local market a few months, Caribbean Automotive Retailers (CAR) Jamaica is already in expansion mode with plans to bring a third brand to Jamaica and open a fourth dealership in Guyana.
Brent Murphy, CEO, CAR Jamaica, revealed the news at the official opening of the CAR Jamaica showroom on Saturday, June 27, at The Roger’s Commercial Centre, 56 Lady Musgrave Road.
“We’re looking forward to launching in Guyana in August, and we also have one other brand we’re really excited to bring to Jamaica,” Murphy told guests and media in attendance.
Neither Murphy nor Mellisa Bailey, general manager, CAR Jamaica, was not ready to give specifics about which brand they would be adding to their portfolio.
On the Korean side of CAR Jamaica, they will carry three KGM models — the Torres, Actyon, and Rexton. (Photo: Rory Daley)
Currently, CAR Jamaica represents KGM, the Korean automaker that acquired the SsangYong marquee in 2022, and French automaker Renault.
Their model line-up is six vehicles, three from each brand.
“Renault brings more than 125 years of automotive heritage and is recognised around the world for its reliability and engineering experience. Alongside Renault, we also welcome KGM, a brand that combines rugged capability, advanced technology, and outstanding value,” said Joel Lazarus, regional manager, CAR Jamaica.
The new 4,900-square-foot showroom, which Bailey terms an experience centre, will be the hub with several departments, such as sales, marketing, and administration.
“We wanted to create something that feels different from the traditional dealership experience. Our goal is to make the vehicle purchasing journey more approachable, more transparent, and more customer-focused. From the moment a customer enters our showroom to long after they have collected their vehicle, we want every interaction to reflect our commitment to going beyond expectations,” explained Bailey.
The Korean connection was strong at the offical opening of CAR Jamaica’s showroom at The Roger’s Commercial Centre, 56 Lady Musgrave Road, on Saturday, June 27. Brent Murphy (centre), CEO, CAR Jamaica shares some lens time with Mellisa Bailey (second left), general manager, CAR Jamaica; and Joel Lazarus (seconf right), regional manager, CAR Jamaica. They are joined by the Hanbok-dressed hostesses at the event. (Photo: Rory Daley)
Service and parts will be handled off-property, with Lazarus indicating that CAR Jamaica has invested heavily to ensure maximum after-sales service.
“We’ve not only invested in this modern showroom, but in a fantastic team, advanced service facilities, and an in-island parts warehouse to ensure that our customers have fast access to genuine parts and expert technical support,” said Lazarus.
Murphy shared that the after-sales experience is what he expects to set CAR Jamaica apart in the region.
“We understand that purchasing a vehicle is a significant investment. Customers want confidence not only in the vehicle they choose, but also in the team supporting them throughout ownership. That is why we have built our approach around service, reliability, and creating an experience that feels welcoming, informative, and genuinely customer-first,” Bailey added.