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Audi's new €5-million dealership opens in Galway this week, as part of Connolly Motor Group's expansion of its operations.
The new showroom is in the Briarhill Business Park, just beside the famed Galway race course at Ballybrit. Ten new full-time jobs have already been created by the new dealership, bringing the total Connolly Motor Group staff levels to 200. Connolly Group has dealerships across Galway, Mayo, and Sligo and sells more than 4,000 cars every year.
From the 11th to the 17th of November, there'll be a special test-driving event at the new premises, showing off the entire Audi range, as well the technology and equipment packs which are available.
Customers will also get the chance to meet All-Ireland winning hurler Joe Canning, who's an ambassador for the Group.
Thew new showroom has 23,000 square feet of space, and has been designed to the latest Audi brand concept, making it one of the most cutting-edge dealerships in the country.
There's display space inside for as many as 15 cars, and space for another 180 outside. It will also feature a new Video Studio turntable, which will create video clips of all stock for potential customers to view.
Connolly Motor Group co-owner Kevin Connolly said: "We are delighted to be opening our new Audi Terminal dealership which will be our new home - at the same address. It is very exciting to see the finishing touches being made over the last few weeks and to have the doors opening today to the public."
Connolly's originally got started in 1939 when Thomas Connolly opened the first Connolly family car dealership in Ballina. His son, Kevin Connolly, worked in the garage until the 1960s when he went to New York and set up the Amoco gas and service station in the Bronx. Kevin returned in the 1980s, and became Volkswagen and Audi dealer for Mayo in 1987.