Kavanagh’s cater for all

Simon Kavanagh Motors is a main Isuzu dealer based in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford and has been supplying top quality luxury 4x4’s to a large customer base for the past twenty years.

Irish Trucker spoke with David Kavanagh about the history of the company and how they have diversified into another area of the business in recent years.
The firm was initially set up by Simon Kavanagh and he began as a sole Isuzu dealer at a time when the Japanese make was only entering the country.

In September 1998, they moved from their premises in the town to the Dublin Road, which David admits has been part of the reason for an upturn in the business.
“Sales have certainly picked up since we moved out here. There is a lot of passing trade and our location is ideal for someone to just pull in and have a look around.”
Isuzu has been a good seller for the company down through the years as they keep producing top quality, reliable vehicles in the 4x4 and light commercial markets.
Indeed the new Isuzu D-Max is set to take the market by storm over the coming months and this shows just how far Japanese technology has advanced in the motor industry.

In the quest to create the ultimate pickup, the new Isuzu D-MAX is testament to Isuzu's leadership in diesel engine technology.
Owning such a magnificent pickup will always exceed your expectations. Whatever your destination, the new Isuzu D-MAX takes you there with supreme confidence that instils a sense of pride. You know you have a pickup that packs advanced diesel engineering and stylish design.
Isuzu engineers have incorporated the latest technical innovations into the new Isuzu D-MAX, ranging from galvanized steel damping components to a passenger-friendly but highly effective compliant suspension, to an exciting performance on any type of terrain.
”We have been a main dealer for Isuzu for the last twenty years, since my father set up the business,” said David. “Even though we had a large customer base and many repeat clients, we took the decision to expand the business around three years ago.”
David revealed that the expansion meant that new vehicles brought in from all over Europe would be sold in the Irish market, although Simon Kavanagh Motors had found a niche in the market to offer their customers something that they could not get anywhere else in this country.

“We import new luxury 4x4’s from Europe, which are sold with full European manufacturers’ warranty. We specialise in commercialising all luxury 4x4’s many of which are not available as commercials in Irish dealerships,” he stressed.
“We sell the BMW X5, Range Rover Sport, Mercedez ML 320cdi, Audi Q7, Toyota Landcruiser and Toyota Hilux and these are just some of the vehicles we have in stock.”
Importing these vehicles meant that David and his father had to build up a rapport with the contacts that they made all over Europe and he admits that it has paid off.

“I began travelling to various dealerships across Europe and met many contacts, with which we have developed a good relationship and who have been very professional to deal with in the last few years.
“We bring in 4x4’s from the U.K, Holland, Germany and Spain to name just a few of the countries and last year we sold 200 new vehicles, which speaks for itself.”

Simon Kavanagh Motors stock 35 new 4x4’s at their premises at any given time, giving the customer a wide range of options to choose from and if what they are looking for is not there, David will ensure to have the vehicle within a short space of time.
Since the introduction of the commercialised 4x4’s, the company’s customer base has expanded and they are now a nationwide firm as clients come from all over the country to have a look and generally buy the vehicles.
“Recently we had a fellow from Killarney take delivery of a new 4x4, and in the same week a lad from Dundalk bought one as well, so our customers do come from all over and hopefully we can continue to build our trade.
“We have cornered a niche in the market in that you cannot buy some of these vehicles commercialised in Ireland. Like BMW do not sell the X5 in a commercial form, but we can buy them in from Europe with the full warranty and convert them.
“All of the work is subbed out and it generally takes about a week to convert a 4x4, so a customer does not have too long too wait for their new vehicle.”

Simon Kavanagh Motors also deal in trade-in vehicles and have a wide range on their forecourt, which are serviced and ready to be driven away without delay.
The company employ two people and although that may give the impression that they are a small business, the volume of vehicles that passes through their hands on an annual basis is better than many of their rivals.