Motor Distributors Limited, distributors for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland, has announced the appointment of Connolly Motor Group as main dealers for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The appointment gives Connolly Motor Group responsibility for Mercedes-Benz sales and after-sales services covering the North West region. The dealership will operate from newly-acquired premises at Collooney, on the approach to Sligo town. The 20,000 sq ft dealership will be one of the largest Mercedes-Benz sales showrooms, parts outlets and after-sales service facilities in Ireland. When fully operational, it will create 20 new full-time jobs by the time it has opened its doors in September. This will increase full-time jobs at the Connolly Motor Group to 183.
The showrooms will have space to display up to 15 cars. The premises will also house a customer reception and individual sales offices. The facility will also have a 10-bay workshop as well as a pre-delivery inspection centre, an extensive parts store and sales counter. The appointment is one that rekindles a link between Motor Distributors Limited and the Connolly family, established in the mid-1980s when the late Kevin Connolly Snr., was appointed to represent marques then within the Motor Distributors’ portfolio. His sons Kevin and Neil now run the family business and have expanded it to make it one of the biggest motor groups in the country, with state-of-the-art showrooms in Sligo, Ballina and Galway. Strategically located to service customers across the North West, the opening of the new dealership in Sligo extends to 14 the number of Mercedes-Benz main dealers nationwide.
Commenting, Mercedes-Benz chief executive in Ireland, Stephen Byrne said: ‘We are proud to welcome Connolly Motor Group and its dealer principals Kevin and Neil Connolly into the Mercedes-Benz dealer network. Through their appointment, Mercedes-Benz will have the benefit of their experience, knowledge and leadership as we seek to extend our market in the region.’
Neil Connolly said: “We are delighted to be appointed to represent a brand whose heritage dates back to 1886 and the invention of the world’s first motor car – Karl Benz’s renowned Benz Velo Comfortable.”
“Our appointment comes at a pivotal period in our development and at an exciting point in the history of Mercedes-Benz as their model range expands to appeal to an even younger generation of motorists” Mr. Connolly added.
