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Audi will move its south Dublin dealership operations into one mega-dealer next year, when it shifts operations from the existing Audi Centre in Ballsbridge to a brand new premises in Sandyford. The new centre, which will sit between the M50 motorway and the vast Sandyford industrial estate, will be Audi's biggest dealership in the country, with more than 10,000-square metres of floor space.
Donal Duggan, Head of Business at Audi Centre, said: "This is a significant investment in the Audi brand, in our customers and in our team - and the creation of this stunning, modern showroom confirms the strength of our position in Dublin and across Ireland as a leading supplier of the prestigious Audi marque. The investment, and the creation of a newly-expanded, dynamic and experienced team, marks another important milestone in the development of our business."
The new Audi Centre has been designed to be as eco-friendly as possible, and will include high-speed charging points for Audi's incoming range of electric cars, as well as its existing and expanding fleet of plugin hybrid eTron models. There will be 18 service bays and an upstairs space for customers featuring an Audi Sport display area.
The centre will, as with the existing Ballsbridge site and the satellite operation in Goatstown, be operated by Charles Hurst Group, the Belfast-based car dealer group which is part of the giant Lookers plc. Steve Dean, Franchise Director of Lookers Audi, commented: "Audi Centre already offers customers an exceptional choice and a quality customer experience and soon we look forward to further impressing all of our customers - old and new - with our new premises next year." The plan is that the expansion, which will include vastly more space than is currently available at the Ballsbridge site for used cars, will also generate 20 new jobs.
Henning Dohrn Managing Director of Audi Ireland added: "Audi is the leading premium car brand in Ireland. Key to this success is our strong and dedicated dealer network. We are delighted to be able to offer customers a market leading showroom from November 2017, which will be the largest Audi dealership in Ireland. Audi Centre will also be the first 'terminal' in Ireland to be built with a private Audi digital lounge, a customer experience which takes the next step in the digitalisation of our retail business. The digital lounge is just one of many steps we are taking to maintain our leading position within the premium market in Ireland."
Colleen Construction has been appointed to lead the building of the premises, which with its panoramic views across Dublin, is set to open this time next year.