The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A well-known Bahamian auto dealership has invested $125,000 into its newly-revamped showroom, in the belief that its “cutting edge” rebrand will attract younger customers.

Ben Albury, Bahamas Bus & Truck’s general manager, told Tribune Business that the new showroom, launched last Thursday night , would likely generate extra sales for the company.

“It wasn’t a sales event as much as it was to officially open our showroom after the major renovation and to launch the models,” he explained.

“It wasn’t a gimmick, which I think was refreshing. It was a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. It was definitely attended by the type of audience I was looking for. I was very pleased. I definitely think we will see some sales out of it.”

Mr Albury said auto sales have slumped industry-wide for the past few years, but added that Bahamas Bus & Truck was trying to “think outside the box” and reach a younger generation of customers.

“We did a grand opening of our showroom, which had the first major renovation in 50-plus years, and it was pretty extensive. We also launched two new models into the market. We invested a lot of money and time into it, and I couldn’t be any happier with the outcome,” he added.

“We wanted to show the public that we are not the same as what their grandparents used to know. The company has been open 72 years, which we are proud of, but we have always kind of been a ‘Mom and Pop’ operation; more of a family type of feel, which is fantastic.

“But we’re trying to show the younger generation, who may not be as familiar, that we are very cutting edge and we are rebranding ourselves to be the number one dealer in the Bahamas, hands down. That’s what we’re going for and we’re aren’t going to accept anything else.”