08th August 2023
OPEL SUPPORTS IRELAND’S WOMEN’S TEAM AT TAG RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023
Opel Ireland, a sponsor of Irish Rugby and the official car partner to the IRFU, has announced its support to the Irish Women’s Open Tag Rugby Team, who will represent the nation in the 2023 Tag Rugby World Cup from Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th August at the University of Limerick.  The highly anticipated tournament will showcase rugby talent from across the globe, including Hong Kong, South Africa, France, New Zealand, Japan, Great Britain, the USA, Italy, and Australia. The event will see around 2000 of the world's best tag rugby players compete for gold medals across men’s, women’s, mixed and senior categories. Presenting the 20-stong women’s team with gift bags of sporting essentials and providing transport assistance to the group in a Mokka Electric, Jennifer Eagers, Marketing Executive at Opel Ireland said: “Opel Ireland is very proud to support the Women’s Open Tag Rugby Team with water bottles, energy drinks and Opel merchandise. I wish the team every continued success.”  The Irish Women’s Open team is a formidable force in the world of tag rugby, and they will be hoping for success at the World Cup. Comprised of talented and dedicated athletes from all around Ireland, team members have each consistently showcased skill and passion for the sport at both national and international stages with their clubs. Undertaking rigorous training in preparation for the upcoming World Cup, both as a team, twice a month for over twelve months, each of the players has also partaken in their own tag rugby club training each week, making them a force to be reckoned with.
13th July 2023
VW California – at home everywhere
The 200,000th Volkswagen California left the production line in Hanover-Limmer this week. Easily identifiable, this successful camper van, the California, first went on sale in 1988 and has been a symbol for freedom, discovery and adventure ever since. Last year, a record 21,600 California 6.1 vehicles were delivered to customers, an increase of nearly 15% per cent compared to the pre-coronavirus year 2019. And 2023 is on course to see more California’s built than ever before. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) and Volkswagen Group Services celebrated the anniversary with 600 employees at the production plant in Hanover- Limmer. The 200,000th vehicle is an “all bells and whistles” California 6.1 Ocean (2.0 l TDI, 150 kW) with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and 7-speed DSG and featuring a two-tone paint finish in Reflex Silver / Fortana Red, kitchen and cupboard unit, plus an electric pop-up roof with red bellows. “The California has been a real success story for 35 years,” says Josef Baumert, Member of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Brand Board of Management responsible for Production and Logistics. "200,000 vehicles are also 200,000 customers who are discovering the world with a California ‘Made in Hanover’. This outstanding success is due in particular to the employees who build what is surely the most successful camper van in the world every day with their know-how and passion at the main plant in Stöcken and in camper van production.”
06th July 2023
Citroen e-C4 X
Citroën have announced details of their new ë-C4 X Electric model which features a design combining the elegance of a fastback silhouette with the modern attitude of an SUV and that of a spacious 4-door. Pricing for the New ë-C4 X starts from €39,967 or from €368 a month with 3.65% APR finance. The ë-C4 X Electric is available with several safety and technology features as standard, featuring Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Programme. In a first for Citroën, this model will launch exclusively in an all-electric powertrain in Ireland with petrol and diesel models set to arrive later this year. First electric models are now available to test drive for the upcoming 232-registration period. First Impressions Viewed from the outside, the design includes a front-end incorporating Citroën’s rounded design signature, with their two chevrons central on the bonnet. That high, horizontal bonnet features concave indentations, those chrome chevrons stretch across the width of the body, connecting with double-height front lamps using LED headlights. Large 690mm diameter wheels combined with a short front overhang give the car a raised ride height which results in a more elevated driving position. When viewed in profile, the car’s roofline flows from the top of the windscreen into the top panel of the boot lid to create a fastback silhouette.  With a length of 4,600mm and a wheelbase of 2,670mm and a drag coefficient of Cd 0.29, the aerodynamic efficiency of the C4-X has been optimised thanks to the easy on the eye roofline.
27th June 2023
OPEL UNVEILS NEW BLITZ EMBLEM
Opel has revealed a new interpretation of its emblem, the ‘Blitz’, which will feature on its new models from 2024. The Blitz will continue to form a central element of the Opel Compass, one of the main features of the German carmaker’s design philosophy, unveiled first on the multi-award winning Mokka and introduced since on the Grandland, Astra, and forthcoming new Corsa. Sitting at the centre of the Opel Vizor brand face, the lightning bolt, or ‘Blitz’ in German, is closely associated with electricity and is the ideal emblem to symbolise Opel’s approach to the era of electromobility; Opel will offer 15 all-electric models by the end of 2023, marketing all-electric models only by 2028. Mark Adams, Vice President design, said: “The ‘Blitz’ is the icon for our Bold and Pure philosophy. The sharpened, confident new ‘Blitz’, intersects the pure supporting ring, giving our iconic emblem a progressive, modern look. It is positioned proudly at the centre of our compass, which is our key graphic design principle. The compass is the backbone of our front, rear and interior design elements.”  Florian Huettl, Opel CEO, said: “Our ‘Blitz’ is more relevant than ever before. It not only symbolises our commitment to the democratization of innovation and mobility but also conveys our commitment to becoming a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028. This year, we will already have 15 electrified models in our portfolio and can proudly say that Opel is electric.”  Opel will gradually roll out the new ‘Blitz’ across its product portfolio in the coming years with the first production vehicle set to sport the new look in 2024. However, a strong hint of how it will look in production will come much sooner.
16th June 2023
PEUGEOT ANNOUNCE KATHRYN THOMAS AS BRAND AMBASSADOR
Peugeot Ireland has announced their partnership with TV & Radio Broadcaster and fitness enthusiast, Kathryn Thomas, as brand ambassador. As a prominent figure in the Irish entertainment industry, Kathryn Thomas has captivated audiences with her infectious energy, charm, and commitment to promoting well-being. Through her various television shows she has inspired countless individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle and make positive changes.   In 2015, Kathryn embarked on her latest adventure and set up her own business, Pure Results. Kathryn believes everyone at some stage in their life should accomplish something that pushes them outside their comfort zone. Pure Results so that others could feel the benefits of a health and fitness kickstart.   Peugeot Ireland's Managing Director, Des Cannon, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Kathryn Thomas as our brand ambassador. Her passion for fitness and her ability to connect with people align perfectly with Peugeot's ethos. We believe that Kathryn will play a significant role in promoting our range of innovative, stylish, and alluring vehicles across Ireland."   Sitting behind the wheel of her new Peugeot 408, Kathryn spoke highly of her new association “I am thrilled to be on board with the Peugeot Team, with their stunning car range and support of sport and wellbeing, it is a partnership that I am really looking forward to”.
15th June 2023
Electric & Hybrid Vehicles combine for over 50% of May new car market
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released their official 231 new vehicle registrations statistics for May. New car registrations for the month of May were up 42.7% (7,557) when compared to May 2022 (5,295). Registrations year to date are up 18.2% (74,542) on the same period last year (63,057). Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 76.2% (2,528) compared to May last year (1,435) and year to date are up 31.1% (16,255). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are also showing an increase of 11.9% (217) in comparison to May 2022 (194). Year to date HGV's are up 35.6% (1,424). Imported Used Cars seen a 14.9% (4,486) increase in May 2023, when compared to May 2022 (3,905). Year to date imports are up 5.2% (20,797) on 2022 (19,766). For the month of May 1,725 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 743 in May 2022 (+132.2). So far this year 12,875 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to +55.9% (8,258) on the same period 2022. Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with a combined market share (year to date) now of 42.74%. Petrol remains dominant at 32.36%, with Diesel accounting for 22.17%, Hybrid 17.51%, Electric 17.27% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.96%. Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting: New car sales increased again in May when compared to the same month last year, and now new cars sales are edging closer to Pre-COVID levels. Some easing of supply difficulties has resulted in improvement in delivery times, and this has led to a significant growth particularly in Electric Vehicle (EV) registrations. Year to date EV sales are now 56% ahead of last year, representing over 17% of the new car market. During the month of May nearly one-in-four new cars sold were electric, outperforming diesel sales for the month. Further analysis of the registrations highlights that when we combine Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) and Hybrids, which use battery technology for driving, they account for over 50% of the new car market for May. Commercial vehicle registrations both the heavy and light sectors, also demonstrated strong growth during the month.
08th June 2023
New Range Rover Sport SV
It’s a car that will appeal to many and available to few, the new Range Rover Sport SV is the most powerful and dynamic Range Rover Sport ever. It blends performance and dynamism with the taken for granted promise of peerless Range Rover capability, refinement and reductive design. No Irish price has been declared as yet. At First Sight New Range Rover Sport SV’s exterior design includes an airflow-enhanced front-end, reprofiled lower body sides and functional carbon fibre-tipped quad tailpipes for the active exhaust system as focal points at the rear. Carbon fibre detailing on the Range Rover script, front bumper blades, grille surround, bonnet vents and side vents can be supplemented with an exposed finish for the centre section of the carbon fibre bonnet 3 . Inside Story Inside the cockpit-like cabin, satin carbon fibre-backed SV Performance Seats feature integrated headrests, more sculpted bolsters and illuminated SV logos on their backrests. A new Ultrafabric PU interior is available, with lightweight, seamless, ‘3D Knit to form’ textile. World-first translucent edge-lit gear shift paddles nestle behind a steering wheel with more pronounced thumb grips, while black ceramic for the console gear shifter gives a cool-to-touch feel. Range Rover Sport’s crafted and reductive interior has also been enriched with intuitive new technologies, with the Pivi Pro infotainment providing intuitive control of all vehicle functions through the 13.1-inch floating glass display.
02nd June 2023
Unique Defender
DEFENDER REVEALS UNIQUE DEFENDER 110 TO SHOWCASE  RUGBY WORLD CUP TROPHY ON COUNTDOWN TOUR With 100 days to go until Rugby World Cup France 2023, Defender has revealed the Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car, a unique electric hybrid Defender 110 created to display the Webb Ellis Cup on a Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour across France. Defender is a Worldwide Partner of the Rugby World Cup in France, committed to supporting the sustainability pledge that World Rugby has made for Rugby World Cup France 2023 and has created a bespoke vehicle to display one of the most recognised pieces of silverware in global sport - the Webb Ellis Cup.  The specially modified electric hybrid Defender was developed and constructed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division in Coventry, England. The Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car has been designed to safely and securely showcase the Webb Ellis Cup using Defender’s advanced electrified plug-in electric hybrid powertrain.  The bespoke trophy cabinet at the rear of the vehicle has been designed with high- specification technology to ensure optimum conditions for the famous trophy, without compromising Defender’s instantly recognisable silhouette. Minimalistic Rugby World Cup France 2023 and partnership livery has been applied across the bonnet and doors. Philippe Robbrecht, Executive Director for JLR France, said: "We are delighted to be running the Trophy Tour in the host nation ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023. Rugby embodies determination, integrity, courage, and capability – core values for Defender. Our partnership and the bespoke Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car celebrate these shared values. We look forward to welcoming existing and prospective Defender customers to the Trophy Tour over the summer.” Richard Woolley, Studio Director, Brand Creation said: “I am proud of my team for creating the incredible Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car. Defender is all about embracing the impossible and it is very exciting for our vehicle to play such an important role in this fantastic tournament.” The Trophy Tour commences in France on 9 June at the Top 14 Semi Finals in Biarritz. The Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car will be on display for invited guests as part of Defender’s hospitality guest programme. The Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car and Webb Ellis Cup will then be displayed at subsequent rugby events and Defender Retailers across the host nation. Rugby fans and prospective Defender customers will have the chance to view and photograph the Webb Ellis Cup and bespoke Defender 110. The Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car and Webb Ellis Cup will be displayed at the following locations.  9 – 10 June: Top 14 Semi Finals, Biarritz, (Event is exclusive and invite only)  12 June: 17ème Retailer, Paris  15 June: Montmartre Retailer, Paris  16 June: Boulogne Retailer, Boulogne  17 June: Top 14 Final, Mortefontaine, (Event is exclusive and invite only)  18 – 19 June: Casino de Deauville, Deauville / Hotel le Normany, Deauville  15 – 16 July: Domaine de Biar, Montpellier  17 July: Marseille or Toulon Retailer  18 – 19 July: Lounge Club, St Tropez  10 August: Mas Tolosa, Toulouse / Le Manoir du Prince, Toulouse  11 – 12 August: Château Mader, Arcachon   13 – 14 August: Cap Ferret  The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour in France and the UK began in May and will conclude on 14 August ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 opening match on 8 September at Stade de France in Paris.
29th May 2023
MOTOR INDUSTRY APPOINTS NEW SIMI PRESIDENT PADDY MAGEE
Paddy Magee, Country Operations Director of Renault Group Ireland, was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s AGM held recently in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare. Speaking at the event, Paddy Magee President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry commented that “As President I look forward to working even more closely with the Society over the next 12 months. My focus will be on continuing the work already undertaken in helping to position the Motor Industry as a leader and enabler of the green transition. The Motor Industry remains fully committed to working with Government to help achieve their Climate Action Targets. The industry is playing its part in the electrification process, and we need to build on the momentum already in the marketplace, with the right economic and taxation environment to support the uptake of new zero and low emissions vehicles.” Mr. Magee continued “We are already starting to see a reduction in EV support. Our primary focus is on Budget 2024 ensuring EV incentives/supports are maintained, No VRT/VAT increases and to see the BIK’s recent reliefs extended for the foreseeable future. Company vehicles will play a key role in helping to escalate the transition of electrification of the fleet, by increasing the number of new vehicles, we can also help supply and secure the used EVs market in the future.” Mr. Magee has enjoyed 25 years working within the Motor Industry, 20 years with Renault Ireland remarking that “I have yet to see one year which has been normal and without challenges, but I would also say that these challenges have always brought opportunities. It is exciting times, as we are seeing many changes within our industry, the continued journey towards electrification is now joined by changes in distribution along with many daily challenges.” In conclusion Mr. Magee said he is looking forward to his term as President, servicing the membership and the industry he absolutely loves and wanted to thank members of the Society for this opportunity.
23rd May 2023
Brady’s of  Castleknock add CUPRA to the family
Founded by Cavan-based brothers Gerry, Philip and Thomas Brady, they have made their Castleknock outlet the motor home for many. Now, some 48-years later the name Brady adds another brand offering for its multitudes, with the announcement that they have been appointed CUPRA specialists, this premium Spanish brand undoubtedly going to find happy homes within the very personable Brady bunch. Sitting on a retail site that extends to more than two acres and graced by two modern showrooms plus a fully glazed workshop, Brady’s of Castleknock is modern and welcoming, an ideal location coupled to an experienced sales and support team to future CUPRA owners. It will be headed by CUPRA Manager Joe Gantley  and CUPRA Master Gary Coleman. Launched in 2018, the CUPRA brand has developed a range of high performance and technologically advanced vehicles, including the 100% electric CUPRA Born, CUPRA Leon and CUPRA Formentor (both available with plug-in hybrid powertrains) and the CUPRA Ateca SUV, all of which will be seen at the new bespoke CUPRA showroom.  Brady’s completed a multi-million Euro development in 2016, doubled the footprint of the original site. Meanwhile, the business has prepared for the transition to electric mobility by investing in on-site charging as well as electric vehicle-focused technical and sales training for all staff.  The business has also invested in PV Solar Power generation on the buildings as well as embracing advances in recycling of tyres, batteries, fluids, plastics, metals and packaging materials. A delighted Enda Conefrey, Dealer Principal Brady’s of Castleknock, commented: “We are thrilled to be part of the birth of the CUPRA brand worldwide and especially here in Castleknock, Dublin. We look forward to combining our vast experience with the energy and drive of CUPRA to deliver another success story for Brady’s of Castleknock and CUPRA Ireland." Gaspar Alcaide, Brand Director for CUPRA Ireland added: “The addition of Brady’s CUPRA to our dealer network is a significant statement of intent for CUPRA in the Dublin market. Brady’s of Castleknock is ideally positioned to bring the CUPRA brand’s rapidly expanding and exciting range of electric and hybrid models to market as we continue our upward trajectory. The team at Brady’s has a reputation for premium quality and excellent customer service; values that are extremely important to us here at CUPRA.”
08th May 2023
Motor Industry encourages women to get involved and help make a difference
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) hosted its 8th annual Women@SIMI event in conjunction with its sponsor Bank of Ireland, recently in the Conrad Hotel Dublin 2. The event was attended by over 170 professional women from a variety of different sectors within the Motor Industry in Ireland. Delivering an impressive panel of guest speakers, Mary Kennedy, Master of Ceremonies welcomed Louise Grubb CEO of Trivium Vet, a serial life science entrepreneur, with a track record in founding successful businesses. Along with Norah Casey, award winning TV and broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and human rights campaigner. Antonia Hendron President of SIMI addressing attendees “It’s wonderful to see so many successful women here from different sectors of our Industry. Our Industry is an area where female employee have been historically under-represented, and I am pleased to say this is changing. The SIMI’s Management board has changed in composition with a representation of six female leaders now sitting at the boardroom table and I am honoured to stand before you today as your President.” Ms. Hendron remarked that events like Women@SIMI are important to create a space where professional women can have the opportunity to network and learn from each other as well as hearing from other successful people of different backgrounds and industries. Reflecting on her own experience Antonia commented “By being forced out of my comfort zone, it has led me to meet and make some incredible connections and friends from across the Motor Industry.” She also encouraged attendees to make a difference and help shape the industry’s direction by getting involved with the Society.