First MOAL Motor Fair

The Valletta Waterfront was the venue of the first Mizzi Organisation Automotive Limited (MOAL) Motorshow earlier this month. Speaking on the opening night, Maurice Mizzi said the Mizzi Organisation had reacted quickly to the ever changing market conditions, which came about "mainly as a result of our island having joined the European Union and the importation of second hand cars.

"Our Organisation has restructured the automotive division, thus becoming leaner and more effective."

MOAL, the new company formed last year has a new management team led by Austin Walker as its chief operating officer, with Luke Coppini as finance and administration manager, Joe Duca in charge of sales, Sandro Cauchi responsible for all aftersales and Mario Micallef responsible for the HR and quality.

"Setting up this company has meant making better use of the organisation's resources, responding to the market needs quicker and giving our valued customers a better service," Mr Mizzi said.

"This has brought about a great improvement in our after sales, administration, finance and back office support services. Our organisation has gained as well from better economies of scale."

Mr Mizzi said the prestigious brands MOAL represents "require of us more investment, in premises, training and equipment. We have always met these requirements and currently our technicians are obliged to receive at least five days mandatory training per year, most of which is done at the manufacturers factories abroad.

"This means that we are investing more in our employees and we provide a more professional service to our customers. Our Organisation is continuously investing in special tools and equipment, which is purchased from each car manufacturer we represent."

Mizzi Automotive Services at tal-Handaq, MOAL's spray painting and panel beating arm, had already changed from the hardner spray paint to water based paint, which is more environment-friendly. Mr Mizzi said MAS is the first company in Malta to be certified to carry out welding on aluminium cars.

"Our Organisation has invested millions in new showrooms and servicing facilities, and is continuing to invest to keep in line with manufacturers' standards and meeting with current healthy working environment," he said.

"Recently our Organisation built a new BMW centre, last year officially opened a new Volkswagen showroom and service centre, and in the coming months we will be completing three new showrooms for Audi, Porsche and Seat, with additional servicing and storage facilities, at Testaferrata Street, Msida.

"Although we had to strive to meet EU standards and directives, we welcome them as Malta will eventually reach the standard of living of other Central European countries."

Meanwhile, Mr Mizzi said the Mizzi companies reacted well to the change. "Thanks to the new setup in our automotive division, you will be seeing today the finest and latest European cars on display. You can also see the best Japanese cars on the market."