CAR dealers are doing a roaring trade. Dealers at the 2006 Guernsey Motor Trades Association Motor Fair said business this year had exceeded expectations.

And growth is likely to continue.

‘I’m very positive about the motor industry as a whole,’ said GMTA chairman Dave Beausire.

‘I don’t think you’ll find anyone here who is having a hard time.

‘The idea is to show people that we are a robust industry, contrary to some other recent media statements.’

Jacksons Group owner Tom Scott said in June that the motor industry was undergoing ‘thin times’.

Mr Beausire believes technological improvements mean a large number of mechanics are no longer required, so a reduction in personnel was not necessarily a reflection on industry performance.

‘Gone are the days when 40 mechanics are needed in one garage,’ he said.

‘Technology is much better now – nobody makes a bad car.’

He cited islanders’ reliance on the motor vehicle for work and leisure as another reason for its buoyancy.

‘Most of the journeys in Guernsey are needed to get from A to B.

‘People use cars for all sorts of things – work, transporting the kids and sports as well.’

Barras Car Centre managing director Martyn Torode – who holds the Hyundai franchise in Guernsey – said the independent dealers were doing very well.

‘We’ve had a fantastic year. We’ve sold 170-plus so far, which equates to more than 200 for the year.

‘Business definitely isn’t on a downturn,’ he said.

‘Business goes from strength to strength and we’re optimistic about the future.’

Honda sales executive Brett Bewey – who is employed at Doyle Motors – agreed.

‘We’ve had a very good year – we’ve hit all of our targets, above and beyond,’ he said.

‘The CRV is the best-selling car out there. We’re selling one a week over here, on an island with a 60,000 population.’

He cited brand reputation as a significant factor among consumers and thought the impact of cheaper imports from Europe and Asia was wearing off.

‘Manufacturers have a lot to offer – build quality is getting better, as is technology,’ he said.