Carmakers 'could return to private distributors'

23 September 2003: European motor manufacturers may well be working with private importers in Ireland again within the next decade, according to Frank Keane, who has relinquished his Irish BMW import franchise to the parent BMW company after 32 years.

His comment comes amid increasing speculation that a number of other manufacturers are considering setting up their own distribution organisations in Ireland, in a shake-up prompted by changes in the EU Block Exemption regulations.

Frank Keane is dubious about the ability of the global companies' ability to attract the level of local talent necessary to be able to work in the Irish market.

"I don't think they will successfully be able to adapt to conditions in the Irish market," he added.

Not all manufacturers are ready to go the BMW route. Renault has already signed a new 5-year agreement with Bill Cullen of Renault Distributors Ireland to handle that marque's cars here, and Toyota Ireland is also to continue distributing that brand's products. And SEAT has signed an agreement with OHM to continue their representation of the VW subsidiary's products.

Other manufacturers such as Ford and Opel have had their own distributorships in Ireland for many years.

Meantime, building work has just begun on the adapting of the former BMW distribution centre at Motor Import Ltd in Bluebell to a BMW dealership for Frank Keane (Naas Road) Ltd.

The work will double the sales area and will be completed next April.

The revamping of the extensive property will also include new workshops and training areas.

©2003 irishcar.com