While to most North Americans it might seem odd to open a glass house while hooligans in the neighborhood have a habit of throwing stones, at the very least, not to mention the fact that it is filled with expensive merchandise at a time when bombs have recently reduced buildings in the area to rubble, and theft and hijackings are at an all-time high. Of course Rahman feels the timing could be better but the opportunity of a virgin market is too promising to pass up.
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| The new dealership is even offering a one-year warranty and a service center, something that was unheard of in Iraq until now. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
"We are merchants and part of our profession is taking risks. The country is still in a war mode, but at least Iraqis have choice," Rahman commented.
Choice or not, steel bars are going up around the premises and guards are on hand to keep looters from driving away with free cars. "We prefer straight glass to see the cars. But the situation is not reassuring. We hired extra guards," added Rahman.
Adding to the complexity of the problem is a lack of insurance. No insurers will cover buildings or merchandise in postwar in Iraq, the main reason why the dealership is secretive about the location of its new car storage facilities.
Still, Rahman remains positive saying, "The new car market remains promising. Our prices are among the cheapest in the world and we offer a one-year warranty and a service center. This was unheard of [before now]."
The fact the free enterprise is flourishing in the newly "liberated" Iraq should be of some comfort to U.S. President Bush and his entourage, who are desperately looking for any signs of improvement to help reverse the spin on a situation that looks more and more like a downward spiral as the months press on and the fighting continues.