ACIM holds first Press day at Motor Fair

Car importers, members of ACIM (the Association of Car Importers Malta), hosted members of the local media to the first ever Press day at the Motor Fair in Naxxar last Wednesday.

Over 30 brands, represented by ACIM members, were the subject of in-depth briefings, enabling the media to get a complete overview of the novelties at the biggest local specialised fair that attracts the second highest number of visitors after the International Fair of Malta in July.

William Shaw, of ACIM, accompanied the media around the stands, and expressed the association's intention to build on this event and to continue to strengthen its relations with the media.

The tour started with the Gasan Automotive Division, with David Gasan, managing director, Ivan Grech and Massimo Panzavecchia addressing the media on the novelties at the fair for Jaguar, Volvo, Mazda and Ford.

These include the Volvo XC90, a special offer on the Jaguar X-Type 2.0-litre diesel, the Mazda5 MPV, facelifted Mazda6 and MX5, and Ford Fiesta, Fusion and Mondeo restyles. A loyalty card scheme has also been launched. Muscats Motors have a number of models in the Land Rover, Daihatsu and Citroën ranges in one stand and BMW and Mini in another hall. Among the novelties were the new Discovery, the C1 (more on which next week) and the 3 Series Touring.

UCIM Co. was next with John Tabone speaking about the new Alfa Romeo 159 and Brera. Ryan Buttigieg then spoke of novelties in the Hyundai and Fiat areas of the stand: the Getz and Prime; and the Grande Punto, Croma and Idea.

Frank Borda Ltd has the Chrysler 300C, built in Gratz, Austria, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee (apart from the Skoda Octavia RS on a separate stand). United Automobile have the Opel Twin Top.

Continental Cars showed the Audi A4 Cabriolet and the Porsche Cayman (apart from the full Volkswagen range on a separate stand - with the Polo Goal and the new VW Jetta).

Liaco had the 2006 Subaru models, including the Impreza, Outback, Legacy and Forester.

Auto Sales have the new M Class among its range of Mercedes-Benz cars and, on a separate stand, the Renault Clio - 2006 Car of the Year.

Easysell Kia (Malta) Ltd had the new Kia Rio. Michael Attard Ltd had a locally made stand with the full Peugeot range, including the new 107 and the facelifted 307.

Zammit Group had the new Honda Civic and Chevrolet Aveo (see separate story), launched the previous weekend. SsangYong had the new Kyron five-door SUV.

Industrial Motors had the new Suzuki Grand Vitara, Seat Léon and the latest Nissan and Mitsubishi cars and SUVs. Michael Debono Ltd showed the new RAV4 SUV and Hilux four-door pick-up, apart from the Aygo and Yaris.

There was a great deal of co-operation among the importers, who addressed the media on their stands and had press packs ready with information on the products on display.

Opening times of the Motor Fair today are from 10 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 3-9 p.m.