Standard Bank Coastal Auto  Show fires-up vehicle sales 

By Donna Collins 
THE much anticipated  Standard Bank Coastal  Auto Show held this  past weekend at the Swakopmund  Sports Dome, set the  scene for the motor trade  to take advantage of special  lending rates amid the current  slump in new vehicle  sales.  Wim Lotter (Head Vehicle  and Asset Finance Standard  Bank), who was upbeat about  the turnout at the annual  Coastal Auto Show, said this  was their second show at the  coast, and a preview to the  Standard Bank Biltongfees  and Auto show which starts  in Windhoek this Friday.  “Only once we have  wrapped up the deals from  both the shows, will we be  able to estimate the total  sales figures, but applications  from the Coastal Auto  Show are flowing in, and we  already sold VW Polo on the  first day,” he said, adding that  a total of 17 motor dealers  participated. “ In light of the  economic climate the public  responded well to the show,  and the dealers were given  an opportunity to exhibit  their latest range of vehicles  in a difficult market, with reduced  lending rates of Prime  less 1,75% making it more  affordable for the people.”  He did however add that the  tough economic times has  affected new car sales which  have dropped by 45% over  the past five years, and that  they hope to reach their sales  figures, which they turned  around at last year’s coastal  and Windhoek auto shows  respectively. “I cannot stress  enough the importance the  Standard Bank Auto Show  has for the motoring industry  as a whole,” he said. “It  is no secret we are living in  a tough economic environment,  and the need to boost  the confidence and fire up  the motor industry couldn’t  come at a better time. “The  significant part of hosting an  event like this, is the unwavering  collaboration of all our  dealers and key stakeholders  in the motoring industry,  all of which come together  under one roof, creating a  convenient, stimulating and  one-stop resource for their  clients. “ added Lotter, saying  they are the heart and soul of  this event.  But business deals aside,  this year’s crowd puller was  undoubtedly the world  class Moto-X Freestylers  which entertained the show  goers with their gravity defying  stunts, as they flew  off 15-meter high towering  ramps on their bikes. The  four international riders  were imported as an entertainment  highlight especially  for the show, and performed  several high flying indoor  stunts over the two days, the  likes of which has never been  seen before in Namibia.  Of the four riders two were  ‘daredevils’ from South Africa,  and two brothers from  the Czech Republic, which  includes multiple Freestyle  MX World Champion Libor  Podmol. These incredible  riders will be performing  five breath taking shows  throughout the week-end in  Windhoek, and are not to be  missed.  Meanwhile the Standard  Bank Biltongfees and Auto  Show which has been going  since 2006, promises to be  bigger and better than previous  years, with the best food,  entertainment and most importantly  the best lending  rate deals.  The show starts on Friday  afternoon and is being held  at the Trustco United Field in  Olympia.