Flying the ford flag in Carlow since 1989

Dooley Motors Ltd. is the main Ford dealer for County Carlow and also operates an ultra-efficient commercial vehicle testing and tachograph calibration centre. In the 18 years since its inception, Dooley Motors has forged an unrivalled reputation through its absolute emphasis on customer care. Irish Trucker popped into the well-appointed, state-of-the-art Carlow premises to check out the impressive range of services as well as Ford’s ever popular commercial vehicle fleet.

From left: Tom Richardson, Michael Denieffe, Patrick Dooley, Anthony Dooley and Martin Kavanagh with the Ford Transit, Focus van, Ranger and S-Max

At Dooley Motors, the customer is king. Pure and simple. Proprietor Anthony Dooley believes in treating his customers with the utmost care and this policy has paid dividends as the Carlow town Ford dealer has thrived since its genesis almost 20 years ago. The thinking behind Anthony’s strategy is straightforward: if you look after customers, they will invariably come back for more of the same.

Anthony previously worked for the Sheridan Motor Group in Carlow and took over the Ford dealership himself in 1989. He relocated the dealership to brand new state-of-the-art premises on a spacious four-acre site two years ago and Dooley Motors is continuing to go from strength to strength at its Sleaty Road Roundabout home.
Dooley Motors and Ford make for a winning combination. As the market leader in Ireland, Ford offers a commercial vehicle range to cater for all needs and requirements. Anthony notes: “We’re getting our share and we’re happy about that, but of course there’s no room for complacency in this business. We have a very good line-up – the new Transit Connect is selling well and there are high expectations for the superb new Transit.

“The old Transit provided us with market leadership and the new version is a fantastic vehicle which we expect to take an increased market share. We’re also excited about the new Ford Ranger, which has just been launched.”
The all new Ford Ranger boasts even more rugged, professional qualities in a refreshing style with a no-nonsense attitude that gets the job done. The Ranger features a tough and modern exterior design, a completely redesigned interior, increased loading and towing capacity, an all new common-rail diesel engine, excellent driving dynamics and off-road capabilities.

A brand new Ford Tourneo Connect van

Offering customers a choice they can depend on, the Ford Transit Van range has been a market leader for over 40 years. Dependent on model, Transit vans offers short, medium or long wheelbase and front or rear wheel drive, plus three roof heights for the ultimate in flexibility. Ford’s new Transit comes with the prestigious title of International Van of the Year 2007. The independent jury made it clear they were seriously impressed with new Transit inside and out, praising its driveability, plus its car-like interior and handling.
Meanwhile, the award-winning Ford Transit Connect is unparalleled in Europe's small-van sector. It’s durable, dependable, and economical. Whatever your cargo, Transit Connect can accommodate as it has been designed to maximise load space. The width between the rear wheel arches enables it to hold larger loads, while the wide-opening rear doors allow the driver to load and unload with ease.

Commercial sales account for about 20% of Dooley Motors’ business and a major emphasis is placed on the back-up service. “We give a very good aftersales service on commercial vehicles and we keep the workshop open on Saturdays for that reason. We were originally truck dealers way back and we still have that mentality. We know that if a customer is in trouble with a commercial vehicle, time is money. It could be a specialist vehicle or there might be a lot of equipment on board so we have to get them back on the road as soon as possible. The back-up service is vital, every bit as important as the original price of the vehicle…”

Test drive a Tourneo Connect at Dooley Motors, the main Ford dealer for Co.Carlow

Dooleys’ test centre is operated as an independent concern. Dooley Motors was one of the original testers in the country and this aspect of the business is growing. A three-lane testing and tachograph calibration centre ensures that no compromises need be made on time, with all vehicles turned over in the minimum downtime. Dooleys are also pro-active in reminding customers that their tests are due, with reminders sent out automatically one month before the test date

Appointed a Ford Main Dealer in 1989, Dooley Motors Ltd. has - under the ownership of Anthony Dooley - firmly established itself as one of Ireland's premier Ford dealerships. Conveniently situated on the outskirts of Carlow town at the Sleaty Road Roundabout, Sleaty, Carlow, Dooley Motors is located at the entrance of Carlow's newest Business Park, alongside The Dome and the new Talbot Hotel.
Dooley Motors’ success is based on total commitment to providing motorists with an outstanding level of care and attention - as evidenced by winning the prestigious Ford of Europe Chairman's Award for Customer Satisfaction and ISO 9002 accreditation.
A state-of-the-art service department provides a premium service experience to both customers and their vehicles. Dooley’s qualified Ford technicians work with Ford Specific tools along with the latest computerised diagnostic equipment specifically for Ford models. Only original Ford-guaranteed parts - designed and engineered to fit perfectly – are used.

Dooley Motors generously donated this Fordd Ranger to the Irish Amateur Rowing Union

When a customer brings his/her vehicle in for a service or repair, they can choose to have a complementary Visual Health Check carried out free of charge. Dooley Motors’ trained Service Advisor will run an expert eye over the vehicle and will provide a written report on any findings before talking customers through their options. Customers will receive a competitive estimate up front with no obligation to purchase.

Dooleys’ workshop is now open on Saturdays for your added convenience and the customer-orientated business offers a while-you-wait service, where one can relax in a comfortable customer waiting area (including an enclosed kids’ play area).
An expert tyre and exhaust service is provided and Dooley Motors Ltd. also carries out wheel alignment, vehicle tracking and general repairs at competitive prices using only the most up-to-date garage equipment. An extensive range of genuine Ford parts is carried in stock at all times, with a next day delivery service available. This parts delivery service operates daily and delivers straight to the door for trade and fleet customers. The parts department is open Monday to Friday from 8.30-6.00 and Saturdays 10.00-1.00.
Very much a family business, Dooley Motors Ltd. employs a total staff of 33 (including the commercial vehicle test centre). Anthony’s daughter Rowena works in accounts, while sons Patrick and Tony are active in sales and parts/service respectively.

Michael Denieffe flanked by the Ranger and Transit from Ford's outstanding commercial vehicle range

A team of nine fully-qualified mechanics mans the newly-built 15-bay workshop (five bays dedicated to commercial vehicles; ten for passenger cars) and these technicians take part in ongoing training programmes in order to remain up to speed with the constantly improving technology in all Ford vehicles.
As for the future, Anthony will soon be expanding into the car and van hire market, something which will surely be of interest to readers of this very magazine…