“There is a crisis when the market is up 6 percent but the luxury sector is down by over 10 percent.”
Pierre Heneine, Financial Manager at Bassoul-Heneine, dealer for Renault and Dacia
“There is competition in the luxury segment and it is affecting margins.”
Cesar Aoun, General Manager of Gargour and Fils, distributor of Mercedes, Smart, Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge
“It would be stupid to raise VAT as it would kill the market completely,which is already going through a very severe crisis.”
Samir Homsi, President of the Automobile Importers Association (AIA)
“The downturn could’ve been countered if the Beirut Motor Show had not been canceled. The majority of the members of AIA claimed unrest in Lebanon and the economic crisis. My point of view is it was a big mistake. When you have an agenda you follow it, whether it is a success or a flop.”
Nabil Bazerji, Managing Director at G.A. Bazerji & Sons, dealer for Suzuki, Lancia and Maserati
Paul Cochrane is an independent journalist covering the Middle East and Africa. He lived in Bilad Al Sham (Cyprus, Palestine and Lebanon) for 24 years, mainly in Beirut. He is also the co-director of a documentary on the political-economy of water in Lebanon, “We Made Every Living Thing from Water”
