LB Finance has teamed up with the Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIAL) to stage the LB Big Wheels Motor Show from May 18 to 20, 2018 at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre outdoor area in Colombo. Doors will open at 10 a.m. each day.
This is the first time that VIAL, which has a membership of over 130 leading car importers, is holding its own car show. Big Wheels 2018 will have over 35 covered stalls featuring more than 200 brand new and reconditioned European and Japanese vehicles ranging from small hybrids (such as Suzuki Wagon R) to super luxury SUVs (such as Toyota Landcruiser) compliant with Euro 6 Emissions standards. Fully electric vehicles will also be displayed in addition to several brand new gasoline/diesel vehicles imported from Thailand and Australia. Classic and vintage cars will be showcased separately. There will be several food and beverage stalls for the convenience of patrons.
VIAL President Ranjan Peiris said the motor show will be a novel experience for Sri Lankan car enthusiasts. Exhibition goers will be able to experience the vehicles first hand and buy any desired model on the spot, with attractive leasing and financing packages from sponsor LB Finance. A Sterling Warranty will be granted to each vehicle sold. Trade-in offers and discounts will be available, he said.
An LB Finance spokesman said they were privileged to work with VIAL to ensure the success of the Big Wheels Motor Show which he hoped would become an annual event.
VIAL, which has increasingly focused on importing zero mileage brand new vehicles instead of ‘reconditioned’ vehicles used 2-3 years abroad, procures vehicles originally manufactured for the domestic market in the respective countries. Peiris said leading manufacturers reserve the best vehicles for their domestic market and hence, Sri Lankans get a better deal by buying vehicles imported by an accredited VIAL member. He urged the public to always buy their vehicles from a VIAL member to assure peace of mind and best after sales care and not to fall prey to various schemers who operate on the Web promising unbelievably low prices.
VIAL, founded in 1984, interacts regularly with policy makers and motoring authorities to voice the concerns of the industry and consumers. Many of its proposals have been accepted by Governments over the last three decades.
Car registrations have soared in recent months following the reduction of duties on small cars in Budget 2018 and the expansion of the leasing component to 70 percent of the vehicle’s value for hybrids. A zero-duty permit scheme for some categories of public servants is also expected to drive up the demand for cars and SUVs.
Nearly 10,000 cars were registered in the first two months of this year according statistics of the Department of Motor Traffic.