Gowan Auto Leaps forward this September
Published on 27th May 2025 at 14:51
Yet another spoke has been added to the Gowan Auto wheel, with the announcement
that they have appointed National Importer for Leapmotor, marking the Chinese
electric vehicle manufacturer's official entry into the Irish market this September.
Leapmotor, established in 2015, is a joint venture partnership between the global
giant Stellantis and Leapmotor China, and today is one of the fastest growing electric
vehicle brands in China. Gowan Auto, a member of the Gowan Group of companies,
is the exclusive importer and distributor in Ireland of Stellantis brands including Alfa
Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot, and Honda.
The addition of Leapmotor to the Gowan Auto portfolio will offer electric vehicle
customers in Ireland an even wider choice in terms of value and technology.
Michael Dwan, Managing Director at Gowan Group said: “Gowan Group is very
pleased to announce the imminent arrival of Leapmotor in Ireland. Leapmotor aims
to become Ireland’s best value electric vehicle brand by offering high levels of
specification and advanced technology as standard. Leapmotor’s core philosophy is
that customers should not have to compromise on quality or features for
affordability, delivering a true value without compromise proposition for Irish car
buyers.”
The new addition to the stable will headquarter at Gowan Auto’s Distribution Centre
in Citywest, Dublin. Gowan Auto united its suite of 9 car brands and staff under one
roof, presenting a new state-of-the-art premises in the Spring of 2023 in Citywest, to
include expansive office space, a 80,000sq/ft parts warehouse, a contemporary
training academy, and an extensive marketing showroom.
The Leapmotor Ireland team at Gowan Auto will be spearheaded by Managing
Director, James Brooks, who brings extensive leadership experience and valuable
expertise to the role. James will retain responsibility for the Opel brand at Gowan
Auto. He will be joined by Stephen McGrath, formerly Head of Product and Pricing
at Peugeot and DS Ireland, who has been appointed Brand Manager. Mark Brennan,
formerly Marketing Executive at DS Ireland, has been appointed Marketing Manager
at Leapmotor Ireland. Both Stephen and Mark will play key roles in establishing
Leapmotor’s presence and driving brand growth in Ireland. Emma Toner is
Marketing Director for Leapmotor, in addition to her current brand, Opel.
Recruitment for a Business Development Manager will commence soon.
Leapmotor will be marketed through the existing network of Gowan Auto Retail
Partners, to ensure continuity of sales and aftersales excellence, and guaranteeing
peace of mind for prospective Leapmotor customers, as they begin their journey with
a new brand entering the market.
Leapmotor will launch in Ireland in September with two models.
T03 B-Segment Compact Hatchback
The T03 is a compact B-segment hatchback offered at an A-segment price, providing
great value. It features a 37.3 kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 265 km and
comes equipped with a high level of standard technology and equipment, including a
panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a modern 10.1-inch infotainment
system.
C10 D-Segment SUV
The C10 is a spacious D-segment SUV powered by a 69.9 kWh battery, delivering a
WLTP range of up to 500 km. A plug-in hybrid range extender version (REEV) will
also be available, delivering a WLTP range of over 900KM combined, including a
150km WLTP range of pure electric plug-in driving. The C10 stands out for its
extensive premium features as standard, such as electrically adjustable heated and
ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree
surround view camera, heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker premium Hi-Fi system, a
14.6-inch central touchscreen, and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.
Leapmotor will expand its Irish line-up by a further 6 models by 2028. The
Leapmotor B10, a C-SUV size vehicle, will be added to the model range in the
autumn.
Full pricing and specifications details for the new T03, B10 and C10, together with
the locations of the dealerships that will represent the Leapmotor brand in Ireland,
will be announced imminently.
Pic 1 and 2: The Leapmotor T03 is a compact B-segment hatchback offered at an A-
segment price, providing exceptional value. It features a 37.3 kWh battery with a
WLTP range of up to 265 km.
Pic 3 and 4: The Leapmotor C10 is a spacious D-segment SUV powered by a 69.9
kWh battery, delivering a WLTP range of up to 500 km. A plug-in hybrid range
extender version will also be available.
