TWA Automotive has moved to stamp out what it says is misinformation surrounding the sale of Jetour vehicles in the Caribbean, declaring that it remains the sole authorised distributor and dealer for the Chinese brand in Jamaica, The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands.
In a statement released this week, the dealership pushed back against what it described as “unauthorised and misleading” claims regarding the right to sell Jetour vehicles and genuine parts in those territories.
While the company did not identify the parties involved, industry sources suggest the dispute is linked to parallel importers and independent vehicle brokers that have increasingly marketed Chinese-branded vehicles outside of official dealer networks. Such operators have become more visible through online listings and social media promotions, creating confusion among some prospective buyers.
“TWA Automotive Limited is, and remains, the sole authorised distributor and dealer for Jetour vehicles and genuine parts for Jamaica, The Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands,” the company said in the release.
The dealer also dismissed suggestions that other parties have legitimate authority to represent the brand in those markets, maintaining that customers who purchase vehicles outside the authorised network may not be entitled to manufacturer-backed support.
TWA said it is standing by what it described as the full Jetour ownership experience, including warranty coverage, genuine replacement parts and after-sales service.
The company has been distributing Jetour vehicles since late 2022, when it began operations from a temporary location on South Camp Road in Kingston. It later relocated to its current dealership on Mannings Hill Road as it sought to expand its footprint in the local market.
The Jetour range being marketed by TWA includes the X70 Plus, Dashing and Traveller models, all part of the Chinese automaker’s growing sport utility vehicle portfolio.
Unlike some competitors that have relied heavily on broad advertising campaigns, TWA’s marketing approach has centred on small billboards positioned across Jamaica and regular participation by sales representatives at weekend expos, community events and promotional showcases.
Contacted by the Financial Gleaner, TWA Group Brand and Marketing Manager Brenton Richards confirmed the authenticity of the statement.
“We had put out something on Instagram and getting ready to put out another release shortly,” Richards said.
The dispute comes amid intensifying competition in Jamaica’s fast-growing Chinese motor vehicle market. Brands such as BYD, Chery, Haval, MG and Dongfeng have gained increasing traction among consumers, attracted by their pricing, features and technology offerings.
Jetour faces a crowded and increasingly sophisticated market in Jamaica, where Chinese brands are no longer competing solely on price but on dealer networks, after-sales service, financing and technology. The challenge is compounded by the growing presence of parallel importers, which can create uncertainty over dealership rights and after-sales coverage, prompting authorised distributors such as TWA to place greater emphasis on the ownership experience as a key differentiator.
neville.graham@gleanerjm.com
