Colombo Motor Show revs to life

Friday, 17 October 2014 00:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Inshira Shainaz The most prestigious motor and motor accessories exhibition in the country, the Colombo Motor Show exhibition 2014, organised by Asia Exhibition and Conventions for the seventh consecutive year, was inaugurated by the Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando, yesterday at the BMICH.

From left: EAP Edirisinghe Networks Chairperson Soma Edirisinghe, Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade Johnston Fernando and Asia Exhibition and Conventions Managing Director Tyronne Chandrsekara This exhibition is an annual event which brings together all leading suppliers in the motor industry. It features motor car shows, off road vehicle shows, vintage car shows and Volkswagen and mini minor car shows along with a range of other segments. Inaugurating the occasion, Minister Johnston Fernando revealed that the Central Bank’s data shows that Sri Lanka has seen rapid growth in vehicle registration during the last nine years. “It reveals that 200,022 new cars have been registered from 2005 to 2014, while the amount of registered motorbikes has increased by 1.5 million,” the minister declared.

Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade Johnston Fernando and Minister of Transport Kumara Welgama seated in an exhibited vehicle The minister added that when compared with the other developing countries, Sri Lanka has achieved 100% progress in the motor vehicle industry during the last nine years. “I appreciate this event because every partner of the motor industry has gathered today under one roof to share their knowledge, introducing new models and guiding customers and other parties who are keen about the motor vehicle industry,” Johnston said. He added that the event also creates a sense of community within the motor vehicle industry and develops a stage for customers to meet sellers. Another fast-growing market is the automobile parts, accessories and components sector. Matching this, components sector has also grown rapidly and acts as an auxiliary sector to the automobile trade. Speaking at the exhibition, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said that because Sri Lanka is now exploring new technological frontiers within the motor industry, most new motor vehicle models are now available in the country.

Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade Johnston seated on an exhibited motorbike. Minister of Transport Kumara Welgama is also present “That means actually, that a new motor vehicle, before coming to India, comes to the Sri Lankan market. But customers think about the protection of the new models before they demand for them,” minister expressed. He further stated that after the three-wheeler flourished within the market, the four-wheeler was also introduced, but due to the poor safety of the four-wheeler, the Act introducing it has been rejected by Parliament. “The model wasn’t registered by the Indian Government but has been introduced to the Sri Lanka to be registered. Actually before we register the model we consider the safety of the riders and passengers,” the minister said. Parallel to the exhibition there will be educational programs on topics such as vehicle traffic control, vehicle emission and the selection of good second-hand vehicles. There will also be a ‘car themed’ entertainment area for children as well as the Colombo Motor Show Rock Concert, vehicle demonstrations, bike competitions and food courts. Organisers stated that over 70,000 people visited the exhibition last year and they expect more this year. The exhibition will have 250 stalls from 70 companies and the main objective of the event is to uplift the industry and maintain a good rapport with industrial pioneers and importers. Furthermore, the exhibition showcases various vehicles to the Sri Lankan community. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

A local stunt rider performs at Colombo motor show October 16, 2014. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte