ADA motor show for March

BRIAN BONITTO Associate Editor — Entertainment and Auto

Friday, February 03, 2012

KENT LaCroix, chairman of the new-car umbrella group Automobile Dealers Association (ADA), said plans for this year's annual motor show are in high gear.

According to the chairman, the show is scheduled for the weekend of March 23 to March 26 at the National Arena in St Andrew.

"The plans are going very well. We already have commitments from all ADA dealers and I am confident that all the members we represent will be taking part at the event," LaCroix told Auto.

The annual motor show, which has its origins in the 1960s and showcases the latest models from the various dealerships, had been scrapped for three years in a row for various reasons.

In 2009, the auto show was cancelled due to the downturn in global sales caused by the worldwide depression. The year after, the event stumped by the high cost of staging it. The chairman, at that time, said it would have cost the new-car umbrella group between $15 million to $20 million. And, last year, the tsunami and earthquake in Japan washed away hopes of the event.

This year, however, the show will go on.

"We're having discussions with Main Event, who are renowned for their exquisite type of presentation. We're going for an high-tech interior," he said.

LaCroix said the car park at the National Arena would be used as a village for commercial vehicles and motorcycles.

The chairman said National Commercial Bank had been secured as a major sponsor of the event.

"It will be a family outing. There will be activities for the children and it will be a nominal entry fee," said LaCroix.

ADA comprises 18 members.