Magna Motors Dealership Limited, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Jamaica, hosted its official launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its new, world-class facility and celebrated its seventh anniversary at 7 Oxford Road in New Kingston on May 12.

This prestigious event was under the auspices of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Approximately 100 high-profile guests, including Transport Minister Audley Shaw, Dominican Republic Ambassador to Jamaica Angie Martinez as well as Magna Motors executives, were welcomed on a blue carpet to this momentous event.

The new home of the Hyundai brand, complete with a state-of-the-art service centre and crisp, luxurious showroom, was the highlight of this milestone event, as Magna Motors, among affirming guests, celebrated and solidified its presence in Jamaica over the past seven years.

Magna Motors Dealership Limited, since its inception, remained resolute in bringing the global Hyundai modern-premium philosophy to the Jamaican market, and the new centre will go a far way in ensuring this.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness beamed with pride about being able to partake in such a rewarding experience for him and congratulated the company on making a determinable impact on the local automobile market.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Holness quipped, “I am aware you (Magna  Motors Dealership Limited) are now the proud owner of 11.5 per cent share of the Jamaican automobile market, resulting from your philosophy of delivering modern, premium products. I am sure that resonates with the Jamaican consumer searching for value at an affordable cost.”

Erick Gutierrez, CEO of Magna Motors Dealership Jamaica, also expressed pride in Magna Motors’ achievements over the seven years and lauded its success even throughout the pandemic.

“Hyundai experienced a record-breaking year, despite the pandemic. Hyundai received more than 110 awards in 2021,  the most accolades the brand has ever won in a calendar year. This impressive string of awards, ranging in categories from design to sustainability, affirm Hyundai’s reputation for making high-quality vehicles,” Gutierrez remarked in his address.

“Nation-building is what we aim to do, and have already started to fulfil that mandate through several of our initiatives. We could not have achieved this without your help and support,” the Magna Motors CEO added.

The new Magna Motors Dealership facility sits on 2.52 acres of land, which incorporates the full range of services for maintenance and repair, a unit for pre-owned vehicles, a new parts department and a colourful kids zone.

This new location is seven times larger than the two previous locations occupied by Magna Motors combined. The exquisite and comfortable showroom, designed to show off its modern premium designed vehicles and the 12 servicing bays in the state-of-the-art facility, can serve up to 100 customers daily, which they anticipate will give the company an increase in productivity of over 300 per cent.

Board member and CEO of the Magna Motors Group, Agustin Lama, believes that the hallmark of the group’s success over the past seven years is a result of them not losing sight of their goals.

Lama said, “Since the beginning, there have been two major, overarching goals held by the Magna Motors Dealership Group: to create and sustain a strong business that positively contributes to enriching the lives of our employees, our customers and shareholders, and to play our part wholistically in the economic development of the countries in which we operate by creating jobs, investing and providing the consumers with the best automobile solutions.”

In doing so, he added, “we the brand remain resolute to serve our business communities with integrity, honesty, and good ethics while supporting the Government for the good of all.”

Closing the proceedings was Magna Motors’ commercial and customer relationship manager, Etmour Williams.

Williams, speaking enthusiastically about the support of the Government of Jamaica over the years, thanked the Holness for his patronage at the event, adding, “Your presence here tonight signals the strength of the partnership between Magna Motors and the Government of Jamaica.”

Williams, along with Gutierrez and Lama then took the dignitaries on a tour of the impressive US$13 million property.