DistantNews
Support us
Stewart’s Automotive opens US$7-million GWM showroom in Kingston
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Economy & Trade

Stewart’s Automotive opens US$7-million GWM showroom in Kingston

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Stewart's Automotive Group has opened a new US$7-million Great Wall Motor (GWM) showroom in Kingston, Jamaica.
  • The 9,000-square-foot facility, named the Diana Stewart Building, is GWM's flagship location in Jamaica and can display up to eight vehicles.
  • The investment signals confidence in Jamaica's automotive market despite recent economic disruptions, with projected tax revenues of $400 million by 2027.

Stewart's Automotive Group has launched a new US$7-million showroom for the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) in Kingston, Jamaica. Located on South Camp Road, the 9,000-square-foot facility, officially named the Diana Stewart Building, is designed to be GWM's primary showcase in the Jamaican market.

Tonight marks far more than the opening of a new space, it represents confidence in our market, belief in our people, and a clear vision of the road ahead of Jamaica’s automotive industry.

— Jacqueline Stewart-LechlerHighlighting the significance of the new GWM showroom investment in Jamaica.

The showroom has the capacity to display up to eight vehicles, including the recently introduced Tank 400 and Tank 700 sport utility vehicles. Jacqueline Stewart-Lechler, managing director of Stewart's Automotive Group, stated that the investment underscores the company's strong belief in the Jamaican economy and the future prospects of the automotive sector.

"Tonight marks far more than the opening of a new space, it represents confidence in our market, belief in our people, and a clear vision of the road ahead of Jamaica’s automotive industry," Stewart-Lechler said. The facility is expected to create about 40 jobs and generate at least $400 million in tax revenues by 2027.

When a global brand like Great Wall Motor, one of China’s leading privately owned automotive manufacturers operating in more than 170 countries and regions, chooses to establish a permanent purpose-built presence in Jamaica, it is a clear vote of confidence in Jamaica’s economy.

— Aubyn HillCommenting on the GWM showroom opening as a sign of confidence in Jamaica's economy.

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Aubyn Hill welcomed the investment, viewing it as a significant endorsement of Jamaica's economic stability and its capacity to attract international brands. GWM International General Manager Hankin Zhao noted that the company has sold over 1,500 vehicles in Jamaica since 2021, supporting its expansion into 13 Caribbean markets. "At GWM, quality is our first thing. We are providing a reliable and safe product rather than a faster sale," Zhao added.

At GWM, quality is our first thing. We are providing a reliable and safe product rather than a faster sale.

— Hankin ZhaoEmphasizing GWM's commitment to product quality.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog