Cashel motor works celebrate 50 years at the top

For any business to keep running for 50 years is an amazing achievement, especially in the modern era, but Cashel Motor Works are one such company that have offering a reliant and efficient service to their large customer base for half a century.

Irish Trucker Magazine spoke to David Wallace about the success of the company and how they have managed to maintain their status as one of the leading car dealers in the South for such a long time.
Cashel Motor Works was initially established in 1956 by Donald and Leslie Wallace, who are David’s father and uncle respectively. The business was started as a repair garage and almost immediately they hard working brothers build a reputation of being hard working, honest, reliable and efficient.

Based in Cashel, Co Tipperary, the company soon became well-known and although the Wallace brothers did little in terms of car sales, that was all about to change following David’s involvement with the firm, which began 25 years ago.
David is now Managing Director of Cashel Motor Works and together with his brother Ken, manages the family business today. Ken is the workshop and service manager. He handles all the mechanical repairs through his team of dedicated and qualified mechanics. Through him, they are able to handle and maintain a high standard of after sales The business has moved with the times and what was once a small garage is now a 35,000sq ft state of the art premise.
“When I finished secondary school I donned the overalls and joined the family business, working alongside Ken. However, it wasn’t long before I swapped the overalls for a suit and took advantage of the opportunity that awaited us in car sales,” said David.

“I haven’t looked back since. In 1987 we were looking around for a franchise and found Citroen. We believe in the brand and consider it to be a very good make of car and to date our beliefs have been proven right. Ten years later, the Volvo franchise was brought on board and I am pleased to say that both marques have been very successful sellers for us since.”
Last year saw a big change for Cashel Motor Works as they moved premise to a new location on the Cahir Road in Cashel. The excellent landscaping and lay out of the forecourt and showrooms has attracted many new clients, who are made feel very welcome by the ever friendly staff.

“We opened the new premises in November 2005 and are very glad with the finished product. Customers can feel at home as they browse for the vehicle of their choice.”
The MD revealed that Citroen are planning a face lift to some of its vans over the coming year. The new look Citroen Relay was launched in November and a new look Citroen Dispatch is due in 2007.
Citroen vans like the Replay, Dispatch, Berlingo and the C4 Van have always been very good sellers. These new and improved vans will be a boost to Citroen and with the upcoming debut of an entirely new model we can look forward to an exciting future for Citroen Commercial Sales.
“Citroen vans like the Relay, Dispatch and Berlingo have all been very good sellers and there is high hopes in the new C4. There has already been a lot of interest in it.”

Vans have never been more common place on Irish roads since the emergence of the Celtic Tiger and it is important for the customer to feel they have made the right choice when purchasing a vehicle. This is why at Cashel Motor Works, the excellent sales team will look after your every need.
“There is a very experienced and well-trained sales team here that will look after the customer from the minute they walk in the door. However, it is not a case of when they leave they are forgotten about. We also provide an after sales service for all our customers as we feel that this is just as important as making a sale,” stressed David.
With 200 used and 100 new vehicles on the premise at any given time, the customer has a wide variety of cars and light commercials to choose from. The showrooms are laid out in a manner that it is easy to find what you’re looking for, while the friendly atmosphere of the surroundings makes everyone feel at ease.

However, should a customer prefer not to travel to the showrooms for one reason or another, they can also browse the Cashel Motor Works website, which offers an excellent overview of the company and what they have to offer. The virtual tour of the premise allows a person to look at all vehicles from the comfort of their own home, while feeling as if you were in Cashel.
“We are committed to pursuing total customer satisfaction whilst maintaining and ensuring the highest standards in quality, service and commitment at all times - to you, our customer.
“With the advancement of technology, from the comfort of your own home you can browse through our website for New & Used Vehicles and avail of all the services we offer to you from Cashel Motor Works. We are here to take care of ALL your motoring requirements.”

Cashel Motor Works offer a wide range of services from Car & Van Sales, Finance, Servicing and Body Work Repairs to Car Hire & Car Valeting, so every eventuality is taken care of.
David revealed that this year has been the company’s best ever as sales for new vehicles reached the 450 mark and this is due to their large customer base.
“We have a very big customer base, which is on a nationwide basis and our main aim is to keep everyone happy. If you are not providing an efficient and reliable service, then people will buy their vehicles elsewhere,” he pointed out.
David believes that his success could not have been achieved without his reliable staff, who he feels deserve great credit for building the firm’s reputation.

“There are 35 people employed here and they all play their part in making this a successful company. As long as we work as a team, this will continue.”
Cashel Motor Works continue to strive to be at the forefront of their field of expertise and as they celebrate 50 years in business, David and his family can look back with pride with what they have achieved over the years.