Motorworld Group ‘resilient,’ only auto dealer to reopen post-Irma

October 2, 2017

COLE BAY–The Motorworld Group of Companies (MWG), which comprises Motorworld, Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental, Caribbean Auto and Audi, said on Sunday that they “stand resilient” as the only automobile dealerships open for business and operational since Hurricanes Irma and Maria battered St. Maarten in September.

“Though our companies have sustained millions of dollars in extensive damages, we are progressively working to improve our operations, while providing essential services to our customers,” Managing Director Tariq Amjad said in a press release.
“Many of MWG’s dedicated employees have also suffered numerous personal losses. Nonetheless, they continue to rise above the challenges and work diligently daily in order to repair the damages, provide hands-on support to help with rebuilding the companies, and go above and beyond to be available to service our customers,” the release said.
Vehicle sales, specials and promotions prior to the storms will be honoured and there are also some post-hurricane sales on new and used vehicles.
“Understandably, many customers with vehicles damaged would like to get their vehicles repaired as efficiently and effectively as possible. In particular, Motorworld’s Service, Parts and Body Shop Departments have been diligently engaged in providing urgent repair services, ranging from complete body repair work to windshield and glass repairs, as well as insurance estimates.”
According to the release, there has been an overwhelming influx of customer requests for insurance estimates. After reviewing “some misunderstandings,” Motorworld said it would like to provide customers with information regarding this process.
Customers are advised to first make an appointment to get an estimate. “Making an appointment is the key step to start the process for insurance estimates. This can be scheduled by calling 721-544-5294 or coming into our showroom to make an appointment in person with one of our Service Advisors.”
The second step is to show up for the appointment as early as possible.
“When you arrive on the day of your appointment, you will be provided with a number. Estimates will then be done on a first-come-first-serve basis. Motorworld has restructured staff throughout various departments in order to better serve customers and respond to the demand to get estimates done as efficiently as possible.
“On your turn, Motorworld’s Service Advisors will introduce you to one of our professionally-trained technicians who will make a thorough assessment of your vehicle and review all aspects of the damage. This is a detailed and timely process to make a full analysis, as some repairs may require more in-depth technical attention from trained, experienced and certified technicians with the expertise to review your vehicle beyond what the eye and non-trained professionals can see,” according to the release.
The third step is the preparation of an official estimate. The company said following the assessment of the vehicle, parts are researched and the labour required for the repair services is analysed, an official estimate is prepared, typed and printed. This process may take a few days and customers will be called or e-mailed to pick up their estimate(s).
“With consideration of all the time and work required by Motorworld’s technicians to prepare estimates, there is a fee for this aspect of the service. This fee ranges from US $100 to $250 max, based on the extent of the damage to the vehicle. It is essentially a deposit to invest towards getting the repairs done, which is the shared objective of Motorworld and its wide range of loyal customers. Please note that this fee is refunded in full once the repairs are done at Motorworld,” it was stated in the release.
The range of fees for estimates is based on the amount of work required by Motorworld’s technicians to review the damage in fine detail, research required parts and prepare estimates.
“It takes a long time to analyse the entire vehicle and write down every single part that needs to be replaced, as well as its interconnected components. This level of detailed work for official estimates can only be done by authorized professionals who are trained to analyse the impact of the damage, and further supported by our technical evaluation systems for a thorough and accurate assessment. The integrity of our work is trusted among insurance companies and its adjusters,” MWG Service Department Director Jeet Persaud said.
“Our highly trained and skilled professionals from the Body Shop take their time to assess the damage on the vehicles. Then, all parts need to be thoroughly researched in the parts catalogue by VIN number, because there are various grades of features and trims of different vehicles. This is a very time-consuming process.
“With the high demand, many technicians even sacrifice and go without taking a break to eat lunch. There is a value attached to the investment of their time and they should be paid. In spite of the immense losses and the poor economic outlook, we are striving to keep everyone employed as our number one priority.”
Amjad: “As a committed part of the community of St. Maarten/St. Martin, Motorworld Group of Companies remains resilient and focused on rebuilding our businesses and our beautiful island. Though the process will take substantial time, work and financial investments, we are working on some innovative strategies for the sustainable redevelopment of our companies. We are also working along with our manufacturers to provide several relief efforts to reinvest back into the recovery of our society and economy in the coming months.”
More detailed information can be found on the website
www.motorworldsxm.com or on Facebook pages: Motorworld St. Maarten/St. Martin, or Caribbean Auto St. Maarten/St. Martin.
Motorworld, Caribbean Auto and Audi are open for business daily Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm and on Saturday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.