Since November 29, the Jones Motoring Suzuki giveaway post has reached almost 70,000 people. Through the Jones Motoring Facebook page, people can enter the draw to win an $8,000 Suzuki Swift which will be drawn on site on January 13.
Jones Motoring, who have traded from their current site at 300 Kaikorai Valley Rd since 2003 will relocate to their new premise at 577 Kaikorai Valley Rd on the December 18, due to large growth. They decided to give away a vehicle to promote the new yard.
To be in to win, contestants had to like and comment on the company's Facebook competition post, register online, then needed to show up at the lot on the day of the draw.
Owner Josh Jones said up to 100,000 people could end up being reached, but how many registered, and would show up in person on the day, was anyone's guess.
He did not know what would happen if hundreds or even thousands of people arrived.
“We might have to get traffic control in.”
People were quick to react online, as some hoped to be the lucky winner, while others pleaded special circumstances, or for the car as a Christmas present.
“My car literally broke down today so would love to win,” one person said.
“This car would be so cool to win - it would make my Xmas if I won,” another said.
Mr Jones said the entries had terms and conditions attached, including that the contestant could verify holding a licence, “to keep the scammers out of it”.
The promotional event was a first for Mr Jones, who had been in the car dealing business for more than 20 years. He was surprised at how quickly the post had spread.
“Social media really is an amazing forum,” he said.
