Mario James, Gleaner Writer

Fidelity Motors is running a second rendition of the family-based Test Drive, Ride and Drive (TDRD) event that it hosted successfully last year. Last year, the Nissan dealer put the TIIDA through its paces at the National Stadium car park, which has been retained as the venue for this year's event. Today, however, there will be three Nissan products for the offering - the Navara (pickup), Bluebird Sylphy (sedan) and X-Trail (crossover SUV) will all be on hand to prove themselves to you.

Festivities will start at 10 a.m. and finish at six, with activities for the young and the young-at-heart. Fidelity is inviting the family down to experience automotive nirvana at the controls of these vehicles, while the young 'uns romp and play in the variety of activities planned for them. Mom and Dad get to indulge themselves in the serious business of driving these machines, and six courses/events were designed to highlight the handling, braking and ride-and-drive characteristics of each vehicle. There is also a comfort and convenience test, which also involves public interaction with the car.

Major Gregory Webster, general manager of Fidelity, intimated that the TDRD II is their biggest event for the year. "A lot of planning and effort has been put into this event, and we know our customers are going to fall in love with the Bluebird Sylphy, X-Trail and especially the new Navara," he said.

'Family' effort

As Fidelity operates under the umbrella of the GraceKennedy group, other sister companies have contributed heavily to the event. Grace Foods, First Global Bank, and JIIC have all pitched in, as well as Juciful, KLAS FM and Laribo Marketing Company. Laribo Marketing conceptualized the event. Richard Bowen, Laribo's managing director, said, "The Test Drive Ride and Drive event is an entirely original concept which our company came up with to launch the Nissan TIIDA last year, with excellent results!"

This year's event will utilise the entire Stadium parking lot and environs to create an obstacle/stability/braking course for the patrons to put each of the vehicles through their paces.

Mr Bowen also alluded to the trend that, locally, motor vehicle purchases take too long. Whereas consumers in the United States drive home their purchase usually in a matter of hours, in the Jamaica the process can take as long as two weeks. To expedite the process for the prospective buyers who are bound to come to the event, the Jamaica International Insurance Company and First Global Bank will be on hand to firm up a deal on the spot if need be. The Fidelity family seems to have covered all bases and seeks to make it an enjoyable and memorable event.

mario.james@gleanerjm.com