Gasan marks 75th anniversary as Ford cars importer
The Gasan Group is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary as the importer of Ford vehicles in Malta. "We have had a very exciting past both as Gasan and Ford, and I believe we will have an even more exciting future together," Gasan Group chairman...
The Gasan Group is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary as the importer of Ford vehicles in Malta.
"We have had a very exciting past both as Gasan and Ford, and I believe we will have an even more exciting future together," Gasan Group chairman Joseph A. Gasan said at a press conference.
The company is the third longest running dealership outside the US still owned by the same family.
This year Ford Motor Company is also celebrating 100 years of car production and therefore 2003 was a particularly important year for both Ford and Gasan, Mr Gasan said.
"I am also pleased to announce that my son David has just joined our management team after having gained experience in the automotive business overseas," he added.
"We started operations from a small showroom and office in what is today Republic Street, Valletta. Ford was one of the first cars to be made available in large volume to Maltese drivers, and since then there has been no turning back on the success we have achieved, Mr Gasan said.
"When I took over the running of the company in the early 1970s I realised that although Ford was - and continues to be - one of the world's leading car manufacturers, we had to seek new brands and expand our portfolio," he added.
In 1973, Gasan acquired the Mazda and Yamaha franchises and for many years, Mazda was the most widely sold Japanese car in Malta, while Yamaha has maintained its position as the leading motorcycle and marine engine sold locally.
Looking at statistics, Mr Gasan said that over the years Gasan delivered 35,000 Fords, 8,000 Mazdas, 6,000 Marutis, 500 Volvos and 60 Jaguars.
Gasan Enterprises general manager Michael Borg Costanzi said that all Ford cars delivered in 2003 would be covered by a three-year warranty on mechanical and electrical parts.
Gasan Enterprises managing director William A. Shaw dwelt on the range of cars Ford and Gasan were presenting to the public this year.
Gasan is awaiting the arrival of Ford's all-new roadsters the StreetKa and SportsKa.
Powered by a 1.6 engine, these latest additions to the Ka range will create a new dimension to the popular Ka, he said.