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AN HISTORIC OCCASION: GLOBAL OPEL CEO VISITS TEAM IN IRELAND AND PAYS HOMAGE TO LONGSTANDING OPEL DEALERS.
Florian Huettl, Opel’s global CEO, enjoyed an historic visit to Dublin on 16th July, to meet with the Opel Ireland team at Gowan Auto, Irish importer of Opel vehicles and spare parts. The high-octane, one-day itinerary included an Opel dealer visit, an in-depth business review, an insightful town hall address to Opel employees and Dealers, and an interview with national media. The Irish premiers of the new Opel Corsa Hybrid and the new Movano were held at Gowan Auto’s distribution centre during the town hall. 
Pictured from left to right: James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland; Florian Huettl, global CEO of Opel; Michael Dwan, Gowan Group Managing Director.
Florian Huettl said of the visit: “Opel has a long and successful history in Ireland with a loyal customer base. We have seen consistent success, especially in the light commercial vehicle segment, where Opel enjoys a market share of 8 percent, a growth of 48 percent in the first half of 2024, compared to the same time last year. We have also succeeded in increasing our overall market share in Ireland.”
He continued: “I congratulate the employees of Opel and Gowan Auto as well as the Opel Dealer Network of Ireland on these successes, and I thank them for their efforts and achievements. I am sure that this motivated team will continue to drive Opel forward in Ireland with sustainable and continuous growth.”
Inspiring his audience throughout the day, Florian’s address further galvanised team spirit at a momentous time for the brand as it celebrates a 125-year milestone in 2024. First founded by Adam Opel in Russelsheim, Germany, since 1899, the carmaker has made mobility affordable for millions of people and has continuously enthused the public with innovative models. Today, the brand looks ahead to entering a bright new electrified chapter in its history: by the end of 2024, all passenger car and light commercial vehicle models in the Opel range will offer fully electric powertrains.
The town hall gathering of Opel staff and dealers at Gowan Auto in Citywest.
In the spirit of Opel’s new motto, Forever Forward Since 1899, Florian’s visit to Dublin was the perfect platform to celebrate several key milestones. Ten of Opel’s longest-standing Dealers in Ireland were presented with trophies, to mark their many decades of partnership with the blitz brand. 
Dealer Principal at Greenhall Motors, Buttevant, Barry O’Shea, was presented with a trophy for the dealership’s 59 years of Opel business, since 1965. Greenhall Motors is the current reining Opel Dealer of the Year. 
Barry O’Shea, Dealer Principal at Greenhall Motors, current reining Opel Dealer of the Year, has been awarded an Opel longevity award for 59 years of commitment to the Opel brand. 
John Boland, of Boland’s of Clondalkin, Opel Authorised Repairer, was presented with a trophy for the dealership’s 58 years of Opel business, since 1966, when it was first established by his father, Jim Boland.  
In recognition of Boland’s of Clondalkin 58 years of partnership with the Opel brand, John Boland is presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD (left) and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO (right).
Dealer Principal at Ahern’s Garage, Castleisland, Co. Kerry, Pat Ahern, was presented with a trophy for the dealership’s 58 years of Opel business, since 1966. 
In recognition of Ahern’s Garage’s 58 years of partnership with the Opel brand, Pat Ahern is presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD (left) and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO (right).
Dealer Principals at Ferrybank Motors, Wexford, John and Wendy O’Rourke, were presented with a trophy for the dealership’s 57 years of Opel business, since 1967, when it was first established by the late Frank O’Rourke, and his wife Mary.  
In recognition of Ferrybank Motors’ 57 years of partnership with the Opel brand, John and Wendy O’Rourke are presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD (left) and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO (right).
Kevin O’Leary Motor Group is celebrating 55 years of Opel business in 2024, appointed to the Opel Dealer Network of Ireland since 1969. To mark the occasion, Kevin O’Leary Senior and his son, Kevin O’Leary, were presented with a trophy. The Dealer group today comprises extensive showrooms in Bandon, Silversprings, and Clonmel.
In recognition of Kevin O’Leary Motor Group’s 55 years of partnership with the Opel brand, father and son, Kevin O’Leary Snr and Jnr are presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD (left) and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO (right).
Dealer Principal at JJ Fleming & Co., Galway, Pat Fleming, was presented with a trophy for the dealership’s 52 years of Opel business, since 1972.  
In recognition of JJ Fleming & Co.’s 52 years of partnership with the Opel brand, Pat Fleming is presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD (left) and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO (right).
Paul Walpole, Dealer Principal at Central Motors, Mohill, County Leitrim, was presented with a trophy for the dealer’s 52 years of Opel business, since 1972. 
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In recognition of Central Motor’s 52 years of partnership with the Opel brand, Paul Walpole was presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD (left) and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO (right).
Colin Young, Dealer Principal at Young’s Garage, Roscrea, County Tipperary, was presented with a trophy for the dealer’s 52 years of Opel business, since 1972. 
In recognition of Young’s Garage’s 52 years of partnership with the Opel brand, Colin Young was presented with an Opel Dealer Longevity award.
Dealer Principal at J McChesney and Son, Clontibret, County Monaghan, was presented with a trophy for the dealer’s 47 years of Opel business, since 1977. J McChesney and Son was crowned Opel Dealer of the Year in 2022. 
In recognition of J McChesney and Son’s 47 years of partnership with the Opel brand, Brian McChesney is presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD (left) and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO (right).
Martin Doyle, Dealer Principal at John Kelly Waterford was presented with a trophy for the dealer’s 45 years of Opel business, since 1979. 
In recognition of John Kelly Waterford’s 45 years of partnership with the Opel brand, Martin Doyle is presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD (left) and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO (right).
The Gowan Group, established in 1969, today represents 8 Stellantis brands in Ireland. The company invested in a new Distribution Centre in Citywest in 2023. Opel’s new home in Ireland boasts expansive office space, an 80,000sq ft parts warehouse, a contemporary training academy, and an extensive marketing showroom. 
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Feature descriptions and illustrations may refer to or show optional equipment not included in standard delivery. The information contained was accurate at the time of publishing. We reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. The colors shown are approximate actual colors, only. Illustrated optional equipment is available at extra charge. Availability, technical features and equipment provided on our vehicles can vary or may only be available in certain countries or may be available at extra costs, only. For precise information on the equipment provided on our vehicles, please contact your local Opel dealer.

* The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP test procedure, on the basis of which new vehicles are type approved from 1 September 2018. This WLTP procedure replaces the European drive cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are, in many cases, higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on actual conditions of use and on different factors such as: specific equipment, options and format of tires. Please contact your dealer for further information. For more information on WLTP click here https://www.wltpfacts.eu/.

** The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned are determined according to the new test procedure WLTP and the relevant values are translated back into NEDC to allow the comparability with other vehicles. Please contact your dealer for the latest information. The values do not take into account in particular use and driving conditions, equipment or options and may vary depending on the format of tires. For more information on official fuel consumption and CO2 emission values, please read the guideline "Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions of new passenger cars" freely available in all point of sales.

*** The range and electric consumption figures mentioned comply with the WLTP test procedure, on the basis of which new vehicles are type approved from 1 September 2018. They may vary depending on actual conditions of use and on different factors such as: speed, thermal comfort on board the vehicle, driving style, vehicle load and outside temperature. The charging time depends in particular on the power of the charger on board the vehicle, the charging cable and the type and power of the charging station used. Please contact your dealer for further information. For more information on WLTP click here https://www.wltpfacts.eu/.

**** The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and range figures mentioned comply with the WLTP test procedure, on the basis of which new vehicles are type approved from 1 September 2018. This WLTP procedure replaces the European drive cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are, in many cases, higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and range figures may vary depending on actual conditions of use and on different factors such as: charging frequency, driving style, speed, specific equipment, options, format of tires, outside temperature and thermal comfort on board the vehicle. Please contact your dealer for further information. For more information on WLTP click here https://www.wltpfacts.eu/.

Please note: All information was accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Opel reserves the right to alter specifications at any time, which may affect the data shown. All figures quoted relate to the EU base model with standard equipment.