Spirit Motor Group open flagship JLR showroom

The official opening of the new flagship Jaguar Land Rover showroom in Sandyford took place last evening along with the first Irish viewing of the new all-electric Jaguar I-PACE, writes Trish Whelan.

It was a memorable unveiling of both the new space and Jaguar's latest creation.

Speaking on behalf of all his colleagues in Spirit Motor Group and Jaguar Land Rover, Declan McCourt (Director, OHM Group) welcomed the large attendance to the newly redeveloped state-of-the art showroom, and especially guest of honour Prof Dr Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover.

Prof Speth had flown in from India, and had earlier yesterday visited the Jaguar Land Rover software engineering centre in Shannon which will develop new technologies to support electrification and self-driving features on future Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

This 1961 E-Type Jaguar, and the Land Rover Defender pictured below, provided a classic background to the state-of-the-art showroom. 

The upgraded showroom in Arena Road, Sandyford, can accommodate 24 cars, with a superb lounge where people can relax and where they can see the latest car configuration area where customers can choose their car and its colours and specifications and see the result on a large wall screen — a first in a dealership in this country.

Mr McCourt said he particularly wanted to thank JLR Ireland, the importing company, and Jim Ryan the Dealer Principal as well as Alan Moore, Head of Retail, for all their work making sure the project was brought to fruition. "We have a great team and I know they will be delighted to be in this facility.

Brian O'Driscoll, JLR Ambassador; Prof Dr Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover; Declan McCourt, Director, OHM Group; and MC Kathryn Thomas.

MC for the evening was Katherine Thomas and Jaguar Land Rover ambassador Brian O'Driscoll was also present. Prof Speth officially cut the tape to declare the new showroom open.

Other guests included Leinster rugby captain Isa Nacewa and Jordi Murphy. Mr McCourt thanked the players and the team for having given so much enjoyment to so many people and wished them luck in the final of the Guinness PRO14 Final against Scarlets on Saturday 26 May.

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