Jamaica-based Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited has marked a major milestone in its aggressive global diversification and expansion strategy, officially stepping into the fast-growing electric vehicle industry through a new strategic alliance with Florida-based Rush Hour Engineering. The joint venture will operate under Kintyre Holdings’ existing subsidiary Affinity Ventures Group Limited, with the new automotive division branded as Affinity Automotive Group.
Per an official press release from Kintyre, the company will hold a majority controlling stake in the Caribbean dealership network, which is designed to lead the rollout and growth of the EV brand across the region, starting with its home base of Jamaica. Kintyre will also maintain a minority stake in the direct distribution entity that partners directly with the original vehicle manufacturer.
The core focus of the new venture is to introduce and distribute electric vehicles manufactured by China’s Jiangxi Jiangling Group Electric Vehicle Co., better known as JMEV, across Jamaica first, before expanding to markets across the broader Caribbean. JMEV, a joint venture co-owned by global automaker Renault and the Chinese government, has already built a growing presence across the global EV landscape in recent years.
This move places Kintyre among a rising cohort of Caribbean businesses tapping into the global transition to renewable energy and zero-emission transportation, positioning the firm to capture early market share in a rapidly expanding regional sector. Edwin Xiao, CEO and co-founder of Rush Hour Engineering, shared strong optimism about the partnership and the untapped potential of Caribbean EV markets.
“The Caribbean is primed for major growth in electric mobility, and Jamaica serves as a critical gateway to the entire region. Teaming up with Kintyre Holdings gives us a robust local foundation, backed by ambitious leadership and a clear long-term expansion vision,” Xiao explained.
To lead the new operation, Brandon Fernandez, a former executive with Kia Automotive, has been tapped as general manager for the dealership. Fernandez will oversee regional sales strategy, customer experience development, and the full rollout of operational frameworks across the region.
In a sign the venture is already moving forward quickly, Kintyre confirmed it has successfully imported three JMEV ELIGHT electric sedans to Jamaica. The vehicles will soon be open to the public for viewing and test drives, as the team works to introduce Jamaican consumers to the benefits of electric mobility and sustainable transportation.
Tyrone Wilson, Chairman, President and CEO of Kintyre Holdings, framed the partnership as a transformative step for the company’s long-term trajectory. “Kintyre is building a strong, resilient business platform, and we are incredibly proud of the progress we have delivered to date. This international partnership aligns perfectly with our key strategic objectives for this year. We are thrilled to collaborate with Edwin Xiao and his team, and to take the lead building this EV brand across the Caribbean. Our initial priority will be targeting fleet sales, while we scale up our direct-to-consumer division over time,” Wilson said.
Adrian Smith, Kintyre’s Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer, added that the partnership aligns with the firm’s broader investment strategy of targeting scalable industries with strong long-term growth upside. “This is another strategic move for Kintyre as we continue to build out diversified revenue streams and position the company in high-growth global sectors. Electric vehicles and renewable transportation are the future, and we are pleased to secure an early leadership position in the Caribbean market,” Smith noted.
Kintyre has announced that further details, including confirmed dealership locations, charging infrastructure partnerships, and updated regional expansion timelines, will be shared publicly in the coming months.
The EV market entry comes on the heels of a strong quarterly performance for the firm. In the first quarter of 2026, Kintyre Holdings reported $531.33 million in net profits, driven largely by strong gains in its real estate portfolio. The company also recorded rising revenue from another of its subsidiaries, Bold Manufacturing and Distribution, with all of Kintyre’s business units currently reporting positive growth.