Our Timeline since 1938...
1938, Stewart’s Auto Supplies & Repairs was formed, operating as a service garage on Hanover Street, in downtown Kingston, making it one of the oldest dealerships/garages in the island. They specialized in repairing the cars of the time, Hillman, Austin, Chevrolet and Ford.
1952, the company evolved into Stewart’s Auto Sales Limited and became the dealer for Daimler and Lancaster, English cars of distinction.
1957, appointed agents for the Singer Motor Company, Rootes Group, importing the Singer Vogue and Gazelle.
1960, Richard Arthur Stewart joins the company after completing his studies.
1975, Diana Sherry Stewart joins the company at the request of the chairman, Lionel Arthur Stewart.
1982, the dealership rights for the Japanese Suzuki range was secured, and over the years has become a major new car dealer and a dominant force in the market. The first shipment of the Suzuki range introduced to Jamaica was the SJ410 4wheel drive. Later introductions were the Samurai 4wheel drive, Forsa, Vitara 4wheel drive and the Swift. The Suzuki Swift became the most popular small car in Jamaica and the Vitara the No. 1 4wheel drive. Over the years, the importation of Suzuki vehicles has been in step with the current models offered by Suzuki internationally.
The current range offered comprise of the Carry Truck, APV Panel Van and Window Wagon; Jimny; the best selling new design Grand Vitara range, the newly designed and award winning 13L and 1.5L Swift models. The 1.6L SX4 hatchback was introduced in January 2007, with the sedan model arriving in September.
1982, Richard Stewart was appointed Chairman and Diana Stewart, Managing Director.
1985, Duncan Peter Mark Stewart joins the company after completing his studies.
1986, Jacqueline Maria Stewart joins the company after completing her studies.
1987, relocated to its present address, which incorporate the Service and Body shop equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and the most up-to-date equipment available; the Merchandise Department, equipped with a sophisticated computerized parts inventory system; the Sales Departments and the Accounts Department.
1992, a subsidiary, Stewart’s Auto Paints was established, distributing Glasurit Automotive paints and finishes, and introducing computerized colour matching, as well as a wide range of automotive accessories. 1995, a branch of this subsidiary was opened in Montego Bay.
1994, October, the Skoda range of vehicles, manufactured in the Czech Republic, was introduced to the market.
1995, a bonded store, capable of accommodating eight hundred (800) vehicles, was opened. The monthly shipment of the latest models is accommodated there, enabling speedy delivery to customers.
1998, the popular Vitara range changed to the expanded and upgraded Grand Vitara range. The Jimny, a small SUV was also launched.
1999, Grand Vitara range established as the best selling SUV in Jamaica. The re-designed Alto launched in December.
2001, The Ignis and XL 7 joined the local Suzuki family.
2002, in September, Stewart’s 20th Anniversary with Suzuki celebrated with the launch of the Liana range.
2003, November, the all new luxury Skoda range of motor cars, now wholly owned and operated by Volkswagen, is launched.
2004, recently released figures from the Automobile Dealers Association confirm that the Grand Vitara is the No. 1 selling SUV in Jamaica.
2005, July; the totally new Grand Vitara launched.
August; totally new 1.3L Swift launched. Also launched were 1.6L APV
8 seater wagon as well as the 1.6l Carry Pickup.
September; 1.5L APV panel van launched.
2006, 1st June Stewart Motors was born. This division operates the dealership for BMW vehicles in Jamaica. At present, the premises adjoins the current Stewart’s Auto Sales facilities on Orchard Road.
2007, January; the very stylish 1.6L SX4 hatchback added to the Suzuki range.
2007, September, the SX4 1.6Lsedan introduced in an economy as well as a deluxe model.
2007, the brand new Swift Sport became available
2008, Stewart’s Auto Sales signed up as a major sponsor with Jamaica Football Federation on their Road to South promotion. SAS donated 4 SX4 deluxe sedans for use by the coaches and 1 BMW X3 for use by The Technical Director.
Additionally, Stewart’s provides deluxe transportation for FIFA officials who visit the Island frequently.
2008, Richard and Diana Stewart were nominated as Business Leaders of the Year by the Jamaica Observer Newspaper.
2008, with Jamaica’s brilliant success in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the phenomenal success of the 100 metre female athletes winning 1 Gold and 2 Silver medals, The Directors immediately decided to provide three 1.6Litre Swift Sports to the three winners, Shelly Ann Fraser, Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart.
2009, Presentation of the vehicles was made to Fraser and Simpson in January, 2009 and to Kerron Stewart in June.
2009, The Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation was created to further the Family's philanthropic efforts and participated in the Homes of Hope Projects, to provide homes for the needy.
Stewart’s Auto Sales enjoys the enviable reputation of a first class full service dealership, carrying the widest range of spare parts and accessories of car dealers in the English-speaking Caribbean. The Service and Body Shop are staffed by factory trained technicians who are specialists in their area of technology. The modern workshop, which was extensively expanded in 2003, is equipped to restore vehicles to factory specifications.
The dealership operates on the most up-to-date computer programmes and the staff is trained to put the needs of customers first and to maintain a friendly and efficient atmosphere.
The quality service that has been the hallmark of the dealership since its inception remains unchanged.
Stewart’s constantly plays its role of a good corporate citizen and over the years has been involved in the Sports scene with The Reggae Boyz, West Indies Cricket, Santa for Jamaica, the expansion of the Tony Thwaites Wing, University Hospital of the West Indies, SANTA For Children Charity, The Reggae Boyz, Athletes among many others.
Stewart’s has been a major contributor to the establishment of the re-built Edna Manley Health Centre; the Model Community Policing facility as well as the Peace Park in Grants Pen.
As a contributor to peace in Jamaica, the Stewart family pledged in December 2006 to contribute .5% of sales to the Economic Development Foundation for the maintenance of the Peace Park, an extension of AMCHAM Place, as the Grants Pen facility is now named.
2010, the Stewart Family acquired the business and assets of the Issa Transport Group, adding the brands Mitsubishi, Honda Bikes, Fuso, Mercedes-Benz Commercial, Freightliner, JCB, Komatsu, Bobcat, Clark, MTU Onsite Energy, Allison, Detroit Diesel, Cummins, AC Delco and Budget Rent-a-car to their portfolio. This major acquisition saw the establishment of Tropic Island Trading Ltd. to look after the Budget Rent-a-Car franchise, and a division of Stewart's Auto Sales Ltd called Stewart Industrial to look after the Industrial business.
Stewarts Automotive Group now operates 3 legal entities, with 4 showrooms, 4 parts warehouses, 4 workshops, 2 heavy duty workshops, 1 body shop, 4 rental locations and 4 after-market retail operations.
Stewart's is a talent based organization that values their employees and invests in their knowledge and skill. The group's current staff complement is 430 strong.
2011, Stewart’s Auto Sales is a major sponsor to the Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE) movement donating $8.6Million. The program is designed and coordinated by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) following the negative impact of events in Tivoli Gardens, west Kingston in May, 2010 that impacted the lives of thousands of young people.
2012, Stewart’s Auto Sales signs up as a major platinum sponsor with the Jamaica Football Federation for a further three years.
2012, Stewart’s Auto Sales Ltd was an important sponsor of the ‘Shaggy and Friends” concert in aid of the Bustamante Childrens Hospital.
January, 2012
SERVICE TIP:
Check all fluid levels in your car on a regular basis. These include engine oil, windshield washer solution, brake fuel and coolant. If you find that you are using a lot of break fuel this might indicate that your brake pads need changing.
