What's the news?
Ford Ireland is expanding its dealer network with the appointment of Porter Ford as an authorised main dealer. It will operate from a new facility at Castlebaldwin, which is approximately ten minutes from Sligo town on the busy N4 route to Dublin. Initially, the new dealership will employ 12 people and will offer new and used passenger car sales, van sales, service a parts sales, business leasing and finance.
"We are delighted to be bringing Porter Ford on board as a Main Ford Dealer in Sligo", said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. He added: "David and Ray Porter who will be heading up the Dealership both have an excellent business pedigree. Ray has extensive automotive experience with some 12 years in the motor trade. David has spent nearly 20 years in the finance sector and his most recent years with the family chartered accountant practice in Sligo. Both brothers are rooted in Sligo and are looking forward to raising the Ford profile there. The new Dealership will be a great boost for Ford's business in Sligo and surrounding counties".
Ray Porter, Director of Porter Ford, said: "We are really excited about the prospect of setting up a Ford Dealership in our home county of Sligo. Ford cars and vans are some of the best on Ireland's roads today and, rightly, have a broad and loyal customer base. We can't wait to bring the latest award-winning Ford passenger and commercial vehicle models to motorists and van operators in Sligo and adjoining counties".
Anything else?
The latest registration figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), show that Ford is currently ranked in fourth for most new passenger car registrations in the first seven months of this year, but is down just over nine per cent over the same period in 2017.
Its Focus model also ranked fourth for new registrations, and while this figure is also down it is worth noting that this model has just been replaced, making it a strong showing for the outgoing model and could see an upturn in the latter half of the year as the new model begins customer delivers.
CLick here to read our first drive review of the new Ford Focus.