Denis Mahony Ltd celebrates 60 years in business

One of Ireland’s leading motor groups, Denis Mahony Ltd, this month celebrates 60 years in business, writes Trish Whelan. 

The Irish family-owned and run business, now in its third generation, was started by former Dublin Gaelic Football captain Denis ‘Danno’ Mahony in 1963, employing 12 people at its first car dealership in Glasnevin Hill. The business, which now employs over 100 people, has gone from strength to strength through the years and opened dealerships in Kilbarrack in 1973 and Exit 5 M50 in 2005. 

Denis Mahony’s son John has been chief executive of the Denis Mahony Group since 1998, while John’s son Stephen is managing director of Mahony Fleet, the vehicle leasing and fleet management arm of the company. In 1973, the business bought the Toyota franchise; the Lexus brand was added in 1990. It continues to supply both these popular brands to customers today. 

John O’Mahony said his father ‘had a real passion for motorcars, and customer satisfaction, and we take great pride in the business that has been built over the last 60 years and we respect the past and our heritage but are always preparing for the future.” 

Stephen Mahony, Joan Mahony and John Mahony are pictured above.

 

Naas Renault dealer is EV Dealership of the Year 2023

Eithne Mallon O'Brien (Joe Mallon Motors), William Walsh (CEO, SEAI) and Aoife O'Grady (Head of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland at the Department of Transport) at the ZEVI Electric Vehicle Dealership of the Year Awards.

Car dealership Joe Mallon Motors of Naas, Co Kildare, has been named the National winner of the ZEVI Electric Vehicle Dealership of the Year award at the SEAI Energy Show in the RDS, writes Trish Whelan.

The Renault dealership was selected by a panel of experts who assessed each dealership's performance across a range of criteria amid tough and challenging competition. Some 124 car dealerships from 24 counties participated in this year’s awards. 

Four regional finalists were previously announced at the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Awards in February for their demonstrated commitment to best-in-class customer experience. A panel of experts assessed each dealership's performance across a range of criteria, including showroom visibility of EVs, salesperson knowledge of EVs, sales approach, EV training, sales trends, and website presentation.

Zero Vehicles Emissions Ireland (ZEVI) is an office within the Department of Transport. 

Funky Cat springs onto Irish market

Kevin Hilliard Brand Director GWM Ora Ireland, Pat Ryan Managing Director ORA Ireland and Paul Linders Managing Director Linders Motor Group.

The first dealer for the Ora car brand from China has been appointed, writes Brian Byrne. It is the Linders Motor Group based on the Naas Road in Dublin.

The first model from the brand is the Funky Cat, a supermini-sized hatchback with two range offers, 310km and 420km. Prices start at €31,995 after grants.

Order books are now open and first deliveries to customers will be by the end of January. The brand is being distributed in Ireland by IM Automotive Ltd.

The Ora brand was created in 2018 by the Chinese company Great Wall Motors, to be specifically for electric vehicles. All of its current range of cars have Cat in the name — Black, White, Good (Funky in Europe), Punk (Ballet) and Lightning.

Great Wall Motors was founded in 1968 and is currently the eighth largest automotive manufacturer in China. 

Ben breaks the million on his Sportage

A County Cork machinery salesman has recently found what happens when the odometer on his 16-year-old Kia Sportage reached 999,999.9 kilometres, writes Brian Byrne. No, it didn't start at zero again, it just stopped at that figure and doesn't record any more.

At this writing, Ben O'Connor of Colemans of Millstreet has driven his trusty blue Sportage more than 10,000k further, but he relies on the trip computer to track the mileage.

Ben is the Sales Manager of Colemans for the company's New Holland division, right beside their Kia dealership. He says he's known as 'the man in the blue car who sells the Blue Tractors'. He has no plans to change his 4x4 any time soon, saying it has become part of his identity.

Besides, it has been totally reliable over those million-plus kilometres, only needing a new clutch apart from normal servicing during its time. Even though his driving to see customers in Cork, Kerry and Limerick counties often takes him on poor roads in very rural areas, "the tracking has never had to be reset on the car ... and it has never broken down." 

Windsor Belgard joins Opel network

Opel Ireland has announced the appointment of Windsor Belgard to the Opel Dealer Network, effective 1 February 2023, at dealership located on the Belgard Road, Dublin 24.

Peter Nicholson, Managing Director of Windsor Motor Group, said that as the Group has already enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Opel at their Windsor Liffey Valley and Windsor Deansgrange showrooms, the move is 'a natural step'.

James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland said the appointment gives him great confidence that the brand is very well positioned to further strengthen Opel's market share in 2023.

Pictured are Peter Nicholson, Managing Director of Windsor Motor Group and James Brooks, Managing Director, Opel Ireland.

Opel comes back to Meath

The Opel cars franchise has returned to County Meath after an absence of 12 years, with the appointment of James Reilly as dealer principal for Navan Opel on the Kells Road, writes Brian Byrne.

With over 37 years in the Irish motor retail trade, Reilly began his career in the agricultural area holding various tractor agencies, prior to procuring the Navan property in 1986, where he distributed SAME tractors.

He acquired the Ford franchise in 1994, working alongside his son Michael for over 25 years, first retailing Ford light commercial vehicles, followed by passenger cars. His daughter Linda will succeed her father there as dealer principal. James's other daughter Nicola leads the Aftersales department of the family business.

Pictured are James Brooks, Managing Director, Opel Ireland; Alexis Moore, Opel Dealer Development Manager; James Reilly and his daughters Linda and Nicola Reilly. 

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Kerry car dealer goes 100pc solar

A Kerry Volkswagen dealership is doing its bit for a greener operation, by going 100pc for getting its own electricity from solar, writes Brian Byrne.

Divane's of Castleisland have had solar panels installed which can provide up to 73,000kWh of electricity every year.

The work was carried out by Energywise Ireland, and the installation will power all the energy requirements of the showrooms, the workshop, and the business's own fleet of electric and PHEV vehicles.

John Vahey, Brand Manager at Divane’s Volkswagen, noted that they are the first Volkswagen retailer to complete a project of this scope. "We are a large business and have heavy electricity requirements," he said. "We decided we needed to look towards the future and stop our reliance on fossil fuel energy by replacing it with renewable solar energy. This system is equivalent to planting 1,600 trees, saving over 35 tonnes of CO2 emissions."

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'Casualties' in motor trade forecast

A reduction in the number of car dealerships in Ireland at the end of this year and through 2021 is being forecast by Deloitte Ireland, writes Brian Byrne.

In a report published today, Ireland’s Motor Industry – Driving Forward, the company says that redundancies in the Irish motor trade 'will be unavoidable'. "As it is perceived there are too many independent dealers to service the current levels of demand, there will likely be some consolidation of dealerships in the medium term,” says Andrew Byrne, Director, Financial Advisory at Deloitte.

He says that new car sales are reducing globally and Ireland is no exception. There will be significant reduction in new car sales this year — for the fourth consecutive year — coupled with a possible slowdown in the second-hand market over the coming 12 months. "Considering the level of overall economic uncertainty over and above this, it is difficult to see that that there won’t be casualties in this sector emerging in late 2020 or 2021. This will likely result in an overall reduction in the numbers of branded and independent motor dealers.”

The report also suggests that Irish car buyers will be seeking higher-spec, second-hand vehicles rather than opting for new vehicles. In addition, almost six in 10 of Irish consumers have indicated they were planning to keep their current vehicle longer than originally expected, up 1pc since the previous index.

Kildare and Limerick dealerships joint winners of VW Retailer of the Year

Sheehy Motors Naas and Frank Hogan Limerick and have been announced as the joint winners of the Volkswagen Retailer of the Year Award. The Retailer of the Year Award is presented to a Volkswagen retailer that displays the highest standard in performance and customer service excellence across several criteria.

Sheehy Motors have been in business for 52 years and employ 35 staff members. The business is run by Retailer Principal Frank Kelly and this is the first time they have been the recipient of the award.

Frank Hogan Limerick have been in business for 47 years and employ 54 staff members. The business is run by Retailer Principal Ron Hogan and General Manager John Fitzgerald, aided by Volkswagen Brand Manager Paul Sheehan and Aftersales Manager Michelle O’Hanlon.

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Government electric vehicles target 'wildly ambitious'

MC for the event Eimear Ní Bhraonáin of KCLR with guest speakers Paul O’Sullivan, Ford Ireland Sales Director and Ronan Flood, MD of Kia Ireland.

A panel of motoring experts at an event in Dooley Motors Ford and Kia in Carlow agreed that the recent Government target of having a million electric vehicles on Ireland's roads by 2030 was 'overly ambitious', writes Brian Byrne.

Tom Cullen of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry said the target is 'wildly' ambitious. But he also said that Ireland is in a 'leading position' for the development of autonomous driving technologies.

Sales Director of Ford Ireland Paul O'Sullivan noted that Ford is investing millions in exploring autonomous and electric vehicle technologies.

Ronan Flood, MD of Kia Ireland, said the future of motoring was about giving choices to consumers 'so they have the options to meet their personal driving needs'.

David Swaine, Product Sales Specialist from Tokheim Services Group (TSG) provided a demonstration of a fast charging unit. He said employers are increasingly installing charging units in office parking areas so that employees can charge their vehicle while at work.

The event was well attended with representatives from local government, Chambers of Commerce and senior management from Ford and Kia who joined over 50 guests to hear the panel discussion.

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Peugeot powers Landsdowne Football Club for coming season

Landsdowne Rugby Football Club in Dublin has been given the use of a Peugeot 5008 7-seat SUV and a Peugeot Partner van, as part of a partnership agreement with Sandyford Motor Centre, writes Brian Byrne.

The Club was founded in 1872 by Henry Dunlop, and has won the Leinster Senior Cup a record 24 times. In 2017/2018, captained by Ian Prendiville and coached by Mike Ruddock and Mark McHugh, Lansdowne won the All Ireland League, the Bateman Cup, the Leinster Senior Cup and the Leinster Senior League Cup. It is the first-ever Leinster team to win all of these trophies in one season.

Pictured are Joe O'Grady, Group Head of Finance and Business Development, Sandyford Motor Centre; Mike Ruddock, Lansdowne Football Club Coach; Bruce Soraghan, Dealer Principal, Sandyford Motor Centre; and Derry Shaw, President of Lansdowne Football Club.

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JJ Burke Car Sales celebrates 45 years in business

John Joe and Helena Burke.

Award winning dealership JJ Burke Car Sales are this month celebrating 45 years in business with a birthday party on Thursday 21 March from 6pm to 9pm in their state of the art Ballinrobe property, writes Trish Whelan. 

The party will host special performances from X Factor Brendan Murray who is also a brand ambassador for JJ Burke Car Sales along with Multi-platinum award winning band Keywest.

John Joe and Helena Burke saw an opportunity to set up a garage of their own in 1974 on Abbey Street, they listened to their entrepreneurial spirit opening a thriving business fixing tractors and cars. They then bought a 2.5-acre site on the Claremorris Road in 1984 building a new garage housing a one car showroom, offices and a workshop. 

They can now look upon their bustling enterprise that still has their long time aim of customer service as it cores value. Joseph Burke, dealer principal said; “When Dad opened his first garage on Abbey Street, he never thought it would amount to what we are delighted to have today. I started working with him in 1999 and am proud to be now running the business with my sisters Karen and Pauline. Of course, Mam and Dad are still here when we need them for support and advice.”

John Joe Burke said; “When myself and Helena decided to open the garage all those years ago we knew we had started something special. We bought the Claremorris Road site in 1984 and from there we took on the Austin Rover franchise in 1986 followed by Peugeot in 1987 and then Isuzu in 1998. We were becoming one of the biggest dealerships in Mayo. With all this growth we had to extend the garage and in 2001 we expanded to a five-car showroom, six bay workshop and a state-of-the-art body shop. Demand for variety was increasing so became the franchise partnership with Subaru in 2008. Then finally the appointment of Renault and Dacia dealers in 2013 making it the success it is today.”

The garage has had many aesthetic changes over the years and in 2014 the showroom extended to a fourteen car showroom with further developments coming for a ten-bay workshop and three bay valeting area and wash bay making JJ Burke Car Sales one of the largest new and used car dealerships in the West of Ireland.

“We have gone through tough times over the years however we are still here down solely to the hard work of our staff and to our loyal customers supporting us over the years.” John Joe continued; “I am a proud man when I walk through these doors to see my three children now at the helm. Michael Shaughnessy with us 34 years is one man that has been through thick and thin with us and I am delighted he is here to celebrate the 45 years. He was the recipient of Technician of the Year award last year. Next to Mike is Gerry Donnelly, he is with us 17 years as our General Manager and Financial Controller, another credit to the business as are all our staff.”

The business is family run with John Joe and Helena’s three adult children Joseph, Pauline and Karen, now directors (pictured). Helena said; “Joseph, Pauline and Karen eat, sleep and breathe the business. They are always on the other end of the phone, whether it is a Monday or a Sunday, day or night. They work really close with all the staff who I am most grateful for as they are really the backbone of the business.” 

JJ Burke Car Sales extend an open invitation to everyone to join them on the 21 of March from 6pm to 9pm helping them kick off the party weekend with music from X Factor's Brendan Murray and the award-winning multi-platinum artists, Keywest. This is not just about the JJ Burke team but about the community who has gotten us here.”

The party will be followed by a weekend of promotions on all their new and used cars throughout the dealership. 

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William drives away his 27th Ford

Templeogue native William Magahran was a familiar sight to the staff in Rathfarnham Ford’s brand-new showroom in Whitechurch Road, Dublin, this month as he came in to collect his 191 Fiesta — it was his 27th Ford car!

Eight-nine years old William has been driving the blue oval since 1964 and has been buying his Fords from Rathfarnham Ford’s Aidan Kane for several decades.

Ford clearly runs in the family — his late father drove a total of 25 Ford cars and vans and his daughter is already on her 11th Ford!

“I like cars and I change them every other year,” says William, a former sales rep for the Leinster and Munster area. “I’ve always got very good service from Ford and there’s always a dealer round the corner.” He had a particular affection for the Mondeo and was among the first to drive one on the roads here in the 90s.

He has carefully documented all the Fords bought — with prices — in a trusty notebook, beginning with that Cortina in 1964, reg plate FZH 125, purchased for £611.

The new 700 sq m facility in Rathfarnham boasts space to display up to 15 new Ford cars plus a dedicated area for commercial vehicles, a separate parts and state-of-the-art service department, a Discover Ford area in which to research products via brochures or online and a Relax section in which to enjoy refreshments with television and magazines.

“The very strong relationships we have forged in the area with motorists just like William is the backdrop to this signal of confidence from Rathfarnham Ford,” says Aidan Kane. “We have come to enjoy very high levels of repeat custom for both sales and service and see further growth opportunities in the wider Rathfarnham area.

“With this new facility, the sales and service teams look forward to providing the very best customer experience possible.”

Late last year the company expanded with the opening of Citroen South Dublin in a new purpose-built showroom adjacent to Rathfarnham Ford.

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Charles Hurst Belfast gets Ferrari Classiche Officina status

Charles Hurst Belfast, the only official Ferrari dealership on the island of Ireland, has been awarded the title of Ferrari Classiche Officina, one of only ten in the UK to receive this recognition from Ferrari HQ.

As an ‘Officina’, or ‘Workshop’ location, Charles Hurst Ferrari and its customer base throughout Ireland can benefit from the direct support of the Ferrari workshop in Maranello, Italy, for vehicles over 20 years old.

There are only 49 confirmed ‘Ferrari Classiche Authorised Workshops’ worldwide, each committing to maintain a dedicated workshop ramp and a fully-qualified and trained technician exclusively for the maintenance, repair and certification of Ferrari classic cars.

Pictured are Andrew Gilmore, Aftersales Operations Director and Macros Dos Santos, Aftersales Manager.

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Windsor Motor Group take Renault/Dacia in Galway

Renault and Dacia in Galway are now represented by the Windsor Motor Group in the city, writes Brian Byrne.

Windsor Galway Renault and Windsor Galway Dacia are located on the Old Dublin Road.

Michael Butler has been appointed as the new dealer principal at Windsor Renault Galway and Enda Cantrell is Sales Manager with Pat Faherty as Service Manager.

The new Renault Store exterior signage will be updated at the end of this month, and the new Renault Store interior is planned for completion in late September.

The move has been welcomed by Paddy Magee (pictured), Country Manager of Renault Ireland.

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Köping joins Volvo Selekt programme

Köping in Dublin has been appointed as one of three Volvo 'Selekt' dealers for the Swedish company's used car sales programme, writes Brian Byrne. Köping is an existing Volvo Cars approved repairer.

Every Volvo Selekt used car must pass over 100 checks and only Volvo Genuine Parts are used during preparation.

Selekt cars are always under five years old, with less than 150,000km on the clock. Each car also receives software upgrades. The customer is given 30 days or 1,500km to exchange their car, and each Volvo Selekt used car comes with a minimum 12-month warranty, along with road-side assistance across Europe.

Pictured is Paul Mooney, Dealer Principal. Köping have been working with Volvo Cara since 1993, from their Naas Road site.

Bill Cullen appointed a Fiat Professional Dealer

Bill Cullen Premier Cars on the Naas Road in Dublin has recently been appointed a Fiat Professional Dealership, writes Trish Whelan.

Opening offers at Bill Cullen Premier Cars include Fiat Fiorino from €11,695; Fiat Doblo from €13,495; Fiat Talento from €18,935; Fiat Ducato from €18,780, and the all new Fiat Fullback Pickup from €25,621.

All the above come in a wide variety of variants including cargo van, maxi van, combi, chassis cab and 9-seater passenger. Prices quoted are ex. vat. 

The dealership is open Monday - Friday from 9am -6pm; from 10am to 2.00pm on Saturday.

Peugeot Ireland Aftersales Awards

Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland, announced the 2016 Peugeot Dealer Aftersales award winners at the annual Peugeot Aftersales Conference, held at Croke Park.

Peugeot Service Dealer of the Year was presented to Windsor Airside, Swords; Peugeot Parts Dealer of the Year was awarded to Holcroft Motors, Drogheda; Peugeot Accessory Dealer of the Year went to Slattery’s Garage Puckane; Peugeot Technician of the Year was given to Aidan Rock, Mongey Plunkett Motors, Dublin 11.

Dundalk firm is Peugeot Dealer of the Year 2016

Lynn Motors, main Peugeot dealers in Dundalk, are Peugeot Dealers of the Year 2016. Mark Lynn, Dealer Principal, was presented with the award at the annual Peugeot Dealer Conference, held at Clontarf Castle, Dublin on 18 October.

The company was appointed Main Peugeot Dealers in 1993 and in 2013 a newly refurbished showroom was unveiled on the existing site on the Newry Road, Dundalk.

Pictured at the Conference are Colin Sheridan, Sales and Marketing Director, Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot importers in Ireland; Don and Mark Lynn, Lynn Motors; and Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors Limited.

Citroen network awards

Kilkenny Vehicle Centre has been awarded the Citroën & DS Automobiles Dealer of the Year Award 2016, from a network of 20 authorised dealerships nationwide. John O’Neill was officially presented with the award by Chris Graham, Managing Director, Citroën & DS Ireland at the 2016 Dealer Conference which took place at the Mullingar Park Hotel last month.

He is pictured above with Chris Graham, his wife Bernadette, and Louise Murphy, Marketing Director, Citroën & DS Ireland.

Bolands Waterford were awarded the Citroën & DS Automobiles Aftersales Dealer of the Year Award 2016. Sales Manager, Keith Browne was presented with the award.

South Dublin based dealership, Köping, was announced as the Citroën & DS Automobiles Sales Dealer of the Year for 2016. Dealer Principal, Paul Mooney, was officially presented with the award.