AN HISTORIC OCCASION: GLOBAL OPEL CEO VISITS IRELAND. PAYS HOMAGE TO KEVIN O'LEARY MOTOR GROUP

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. Eleven of Opel’s longest-standing Dealers in Ireland were presented with trophies, to mark their many decades of partnership with the blitz brand. Kevin O’Leary Senior and his son, Kevin O’Leary, were presented with a trophy for the dealer group’s 55 years of Opel business, since 1969.

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).

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.