Audi to open three new dealer outlets by end of year in €80m development

AUDI WILL open three new showrooms and service centres by the end of this year as part of an €80 million restructuring of its dealer network in Ireland.

This will begin with the launch of Audi Waterford on Friday, following an investment of €6 million. The showroom, or “terminal” as Audi calls it, is owned and operated by Anthony Boland and will create up to 30 jobs over the next two years.

This will be followed by the official opening next month of Audi North Dublin, a €10 million facility. This will be the largest Audi showroom, sales and service centre in Ireland and result in up to 30 jobs being created.

Audi also plans to open a new facility in Naas. This is under construction and involves an investment of about €2 million. It will create between 10 and 15 jobs and open before the end of this year.

Additional openings are planned next year for Dublin, Cork and Athlone.

Audi has sold more than 3,400 units in Ireland this year, more than its total sales figure for 2011.

Andrew Doyle, managing director of Audi Ireland, said the growth reflected strong demand for its Audi A6 and A4 models.

Of the €80 million being invested, about 85 per cent is coming from the dealers and the balance from Audi.

Mr Doyle said the car maker was confident of achieving a return for Audi and its dealers.

“Yes, it’s a big investment. We will have eight operators in 11 locations and each has their own sustainable business plan. The numbers stack up and have been stress-tested.”