Opel Ireland has announced the appointment of Navan Opel to the Opel Dealer Network, effective 03 October 2022. Opel will take its place proudly at the 2-acre landmark dealership, located on the Kells Road, just outside Navan, County Meath. With a wealth of experience of over 37 years in the Irish motor retail trade, James Reilly, Dealer Principal, heads the family-owned business, flanked by his two daughters, Linda and Nicola. The appointment sees the exciting return of the Opel franchise to County Meath, following an absence of 12 years.
Speaking of the appointment, James Brooks, Managing Director of Leeson Motors said: “I warmly welcome James, Linda and Nicola to the Opel Dealer Network. We very much look forward to working in partnership with this highly skilled, energetic team and I wish them every success with the Opel brand. This strategic appointment gives me great confidence we are now very well equipped to continue to further grow Opel’s national market share in 2023.”
James Reilly began his career in the agricultural area holding various tractor agencies, prior to procuring the Navan property in 1986, where he distributed SAME tractors.
He acquired the Ford franchise in 1994, working alongside his son Michael for over 25 years, first retailing Ford light commercial vehicles, followed by passenger cars, earning a reputation of trust in the Meath community and establishing themselves as pillars of the Irish retail motor industry.
Linda will succeed her father as Dealer Principal, formerly holding an executive role for over 15 years in the IT sector. Nicola, who has led the Aftersales department, has a Human Resources background.
James Reilly, Dealer Principal, said: “Together with Linda and Nicola, who are very much the future of our retail business, I am delighted to join the Opel Dealer Network and thrilled to bring the trusted Opel brand to Navan, as the Main Franchise Dealer for Opel New Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles, Parts and Service in County Meath. I am fiercely proud of our reputation, which has seen us grow steadily over 29 years to the strong, trusted business we represent today and I sincerely thank all of our staff and each and every one of our loyal customers, who have supported us.”
He continued: “As Opel continues to grow in strength, we are very excited about its rapidly increasing electric range and new products such as the new Grandland and the new Astra, and in particular the diverse Opel light commercial range. We look forward to welcoming Meath motorists to our showroom to view the Opel range this October.”
Firmly focused on customer satisfaction and loyalty, the extensive premises on the Kells Road is already home to a Service Centre with 6-bay workshop, employing 6 technicians working off the latest e-VHC aftersales technology. The dealership also boasts a busy, dedicated tyre fitting facility. The new appointment will see the launch of a 5-car showroom for the Opel brand, a dedicated Opel light commercial vehicle centre and the fitment of the very latest Opel Corporate Identity.