Howard to highlight auto issues

Even with close to 100 vehicles being imported monthly, the automotive industry in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is chaotic and not cohesive.

So says proprietor of Howard’s Autocare, Jeremiah Howard, who recently told SEARCHLIGHT that there are many issues regarding the industry in this country that need to be addressed.

“We are just importing vehicles. On average, it fluctuates [between] 85 to 90 a month. There’s no planning; where we going to park them? I ain’t hear no plans about alternative routes, alternative roads,” Howard declared.

While the core of his business is automotive detailing, the businessman said that running his company for the past 16 years has exposed him to other sides of the industry.

It is through a fortnightly feature page in the SEARCHLIGHT Midweek that Howard hopes to address these issues through the perspective of customers, financial institutions, insurance companies and garages and provide advice to persons on the procedures related to these entities, in a way that is precise and easily understood.

The first edition of the feature page will be published on Tuesday, August 8.

“I see myself as a medium to provide the knowledge as to the right way and in some ways, bring a balance to the industry,” he said. “One of my critical focuses will be customer service, which is lacking big and not just in automotive. I think with all the technology and so forth, what is really missing is the human side of the customer service.”

While highlighting other issues, Howard opined that road laws in SVG are not strict enough.

“People tend to think that if there is not an accident, then everything is okay, but the amount of time-wasting and stress on commuters and auto users because of the inability of a few to basically abide by the law, we all suffer.”

The businessman stressed the importance of accuracy and noted that all information shared on his feature page will be thoroughly researched and that consultation will be done with various entities in the industry.

Additionally, Howard said he is open to ideas and information and is encouraging insurance companies, financial institutions and other automotive based businesses to take the opportunity to advertise their products and services on his feature page. (BK)