An arrival of 1,500 new cars from Asia, at the Port of Townsville is alleviating the pressure on car dealerships suffering from poor stock levels. The new cars arrived last week and have begun to easing the blow for many dealerships who received multiple knock-backs throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Jaret Grant, Pickerings Auto Group dealer principal, said the arrivals were certainly welcomed “It will fill up our showroom as early as next week, it’s exciting times,” Mr Grant said.

“The industry was badly affected by COVID in the April/May/June quarter, but over the last couple of months there has been a significant increase in inquiries and activity. There was a big struggle with supply so it’s great to see the ships arriving.”

Mr Grant said he was confident the automotive industry would continue on an upward trend for the rest of the year. Port of Townsville chief operating officer Drew Penny said a new development at the facility had made the arrival of the vehicles feasible.

“Local marine contractor Pacific Marine Group has just completed a $2.5m extension to Berth 10 to make it easier for larger car carriers to deliver vehicles to northern Australia,” Mr Penny said. “The wharf expansion represents a great opportunity to welcome larger vessels, growing car import numbers and improving supply chain efficiencies for the people of northern Australia.”

30 September 2020