Gowan Group has acquired Opel Ireland and will be Opel’s wholesale import partner in Ireland upon approval of the transaction by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland.
This move is in line with Opel’s business strategy in selected European markets to enhance agility, efficiency and competitiveness.
Gowan Group will assume responsibility for all of Opel Ireland’s operations and current Opel employees will transfer on completion of the transaction.
“This is another decision in line with the goals of our PACE! strategic plan which will make our sales set-up in certain European countries more agile, efficient and therefore competitive,” said Xavier Duchemin, Opel/Vauxhall Managing Director Sales, Aftersales and Marketing. “We are confident that our brand will perform even better in Ireland with this new set-up.”
“We are delighted to become Opel’s import partner in Ireland”, says Michael Dwan, CEO, Gowan Group. “We have an in-depth understanding of the Irish motor market and a strong appreciation of the Opel brand. The close engagement with our colleagues in Russelsheim through this process, together with the expertise and capability within the Group and within Opel Ireland, the strong dealer network and customer base and the exciting new product pipeline all underpin our belief that Opel will fully realise its potential in the Irish market in the years ahead. We look forward to welcoming the Opel Ireland team into the Gowan Group.”
Gowan Group has been involved in motor distribution in Ireland for fifty years, importing Peugeot vehicles since 1969 and Honda vehicles since 1984.
Opel sold over 5,800 vehicles in Ireland in 2018 achieving a market share of 3.8%. Opel is now aiming, through this new business model, to grow profitably in Ireland in the coming years.
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