Asco Motors Invests $15m Into New Flagship Project

One of Fiji’s largest automotive dealers held its ground-break­ing ceremony yesterday for a $15 million project.

Toyota Tsusho (South Sea) Limited Fiji trading as Asco Motors Fiji will begin construction of its new flagship automotive dealership in Voivoi Sub­division, Nadi.

Minister for Economy and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who was the chief guest at the event said: “The investment by Asco Motors is a huge indication of the confidence Asco Motors has in the Fijian econ­omy. This is the best time for compa­nies that want to invest, to invest.

“Because it does not only give you a better opportunity, but also you will position yourself in an economy which will outrun.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also said once the target eligible population got fully vaccinated, economic opportunities would open up.

Outgoing chief executive officer and director of Asco Motors Fiji, Craig Sims said the project would be un­dertaken over the next one and a half years.

“We aim to commence in the upcom­ing weeks and then seek to finish the project, ready for operations in quar­ter four of 2022,” he said.

He said the project would positively place the company in a position for further growth.

“The construction would mean more scope and space to then increase effi­ciency of the company.”

Mr Sims said more space would mean more room for vehicles and therefore more employers.

“The layout of the site is crucial for efficiency,” he added.

“It provides a better flow between our departments, and we have designed this with the customers in mind with a more comfortable environment.

“We have expanded our service cen­tre capacity, as this was one of our main constraints in our current site.”

He said Asco Motors was undertak­ing study for the site to be solar pow­ered.

“We are undertaking further studies on ensuring energy efficiency lighting and the provision for an electric vehi­cle charging station for the future.”

In light of COVID pandemic

Despite the economic situation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Sims encouraged business owners to be optimistic.

“I do urge other businesses to consid­er the medium term view and where possible, seek to invest to prepare for the better times ahead,” he said.

Close to to 85 per cent of staff mem­bers have been vaccinated, Mr Sims said.

“As of now, we are close to 85 per cent compliant and will be following the Government legislation in terms of dates and requirement to be vac­cinated. Whilst the economic condi­tions at the moment are not the best, they have been in recent history, due to COVID-19, we are investing now to lay the base for the future growth in our economy.

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