The contest for market share in Barbados’ already competitive automobile market is intensifying.
Local dealer MQI has signalled its intention to attract a larger number of buyers for a new range of Ford vehicles launched recently.
While McEnearney Quality Inc. chief executive officer, sales representative Johnny Tudor and marketing manager Margaret Hoyte expected the models including the new Kuga and EcoSport to do well, regional sales manager Jodi Muehlenbrouch said Ford was out to improve its sales here and in the Caribbean.
They all spoke recently at a function to introduce the new line of vehicles at Lion Castle, St Thomas.
“What we found today was that a number of the individuals who were test driving the cars have not had the experience of driving the Ford car. These cars are beautifully manufactured, they are very fuel efficient and I think that the price that is being offered to the Barbadian public is at a level that we will see a surge in Ford sales in Barbados over the next couple of months,” Tudor said.
McKenzie added: “Ford has a fantastic ride and the feeling you get driving a luxury European vehicle, the feeling of safety and the feeling of handling . . . . So Ford has merged these qualities and you have a fantastic vehicle here that drives great and is very reliable.
Muehlenbrouch, who is based in San Juan, Peurto Rico, said the aim was to make the market aware that Ford was not simply a truck company.
“We come across different challenges and every different island has their own preferences and their own structures so we are really looking forward for these two products making more of a presence for Ford here in Barbados,” she said.
Hoyte, marketing manager, said with Ford models like the Focus continuing to do well in Barbados, she expected the Kuda and EcoSport to have good sales “because everybody is moving towards the SUV type vehicle”.
(SC)