KIG enters two-wheel race

Kingston INDUSTRIAL Garage (KIG), dealers of Subaru, Ford, Jaguar and Land Rover, is heading in a new direction.

The Spanish Town Road-based dealership is spreading its wings and has created a synergy with Yamaha by distributing motorcycles.

"It will be a fruitful relationship," said Richard Reid, KIG's sales manager, at the launch on Wednesday.

"It's important in business to diversify and we are responding to market demand, especially the loyal Yamaha customers. We are in a time of recession, therefore, we have to cater to every demographic, every spending power that our customers have," Reid continued.

According, to the sales manager, the prices of the motorcycles were competitive.

"Our prices go from $150,000, upwards, for the scooters - YBR 125s are going for $185,000, DT175s for $373,000 and any other bike an enthusiast wants, as long as it's a Yamaha, we can order it."

General manager Major Hugh Blake said there was tremendous prospects for the brand's growth.

KIG donated one of its showroom pieces, a Yamaha XJ 900P, to the police force. Superintendent Marlon Dietrich collected it on the force's behalf.

"It is lighter and uses a shaft-drive system, which does not need to be checked everyday like those that uses a chain," said Philippe Veronesi, Yamaha consultant for the Caribbean and Central America.

"The big advantage is KIG has a nice facility and a very good understanding of the motorcycles. We came together and decided we needed to provide more services to our consumers. So we are providing more spare parts and maintenance," he continued.

The consultant said his company was looking to developing motorcycle activities throughout the island.

- Laranzo Dacres