Peugeot and Honda's Irish importer is winding down two Dublin dealerships
The Gowan Group said the outlets are “not suitable” for modern retailing.
THE BUSINESS THAT exclusively imports Peugeot and Honda vehicles to Ireland has decided to close two of its motoring dealerships following a review.
The Gowan Group announced that its Gowan Motors outlets at Merrion Road in Dublin and Dún Laoghaire will shut up shop as they’re “not suitable for development as modern dealerships”.
The company will continue to operate its flagship facility on the Navan Road, where it sells four motor brands – Honda, Opel, Peugeot and Kia – and provides after-sales services for Citroën vehicles.
Its head office is currently located near the Merrion Road dealership, which has been sold, and will move to Appian Way once the deal is completed.
Gowan Motors staff have been notified of the decision to wind down the two dealerships.
The company has promised that it will honour all customer and supplier commitments in full.
Commenting on the decision to close the two outlets, Gowan Group CEO Michael Dwan said, “We have reviewed our retail network in Dublin in light of today’s market requirements.
“Our properties on the Merrion Road and Dún Laoghaire are not suitable for re-development as modern dealerships and, as a consequence, we have decided to cease trading there.”
Redundancy
Dwan said staff will be compensated with “favourable redundancy terms” and added that he is “confident that they will be in high demand” from other employers.
He also said that some workers will be redeployed to the Navan Road operation.
Founded in 1969, the Gowan Group is the exclusive importer and distributor of Peugeot and Honda vehicles in Ireland, which are sold through independent dealers.
It has partnered with Peugeot for 50 years and Honda for 36 years. It also sells Kia and Opel vehicles and provides after-sales services for Citroën.
It distributes well-known electronics brands through its retail division, KAL Group, such as Nordmende and Sharp products.
The group also has a property and investment unit and distributes Senator Windows through independent dealers.
Convest Limited, the Gowan Group’s parent company, delivered sales of over €166 million in 2016, up from €151 million the year before. It more than doubled its profit for the year to €1.1 million.
