Central Motors launch new dealership

Over the course of the last year, vehicle sales have been hit very hard and unfortunately some businesses were unable to compete with the harsh reality of the current economic climate. However, there are some who have decided to meet the recession head on and Leitrim based Central Motors is one such company that is offering a wide range of deals and services to entice their customers back through the doors.

Patsy Walpole has worked long and hard to establish the business

Last Christmas, Central Motors managing director Patsy Walpole and his sons Kieran and Paul decided to add the Fiat dealership to the Opel marque that that have held for many years.
Supplying the full range of Fiat cars and light commercials affords Patsy and his team the opportunity to provide a wider range of vehicles to their already large customer base.

Situated on the Station Rd in Mohill, Central Motors has been operating for the past 38 years and have been a main dealer for Opel for 25 of those. Over the last two years they have invested heavily into the business to ensure that the premises are now a state-of-the-art facility.

“We have been based on the Station Rd since 1972 when we first started the business. Over the years, there has been a lot of development work done with the latest being in 2008 when we expanded the showrooms and refurbished the service area,” revealed Patsy.
“This has brought us up to the necessary standards needed. We are looking forward to the Fiat dealership taking off and we are pleased with the way that it has started.

Central Motors have established a massive customer base over the years

“Fiat Profession.al has announced an extension of its "Double Your VAT Back" consumer offer for light commercial vehicle buyers, which will enable the purchaser of any Fiat professional van to double their VAT back. This offer is now available and will run until March 31st 2010.
“If you are a VAT Registered business you are entitled to claim back the VAT @ 21% from the Government on a new van purchase, Fiat Professional will match the refund made by the Government doubling the amount of VAT the customer receives, even if the customer is not VAT registered they can avail of a refund equivalent to VAT amount on the vehicle.

“Following purchase of the van the customer will receive a cheque with the VAT amount from Fiat Ireland within 30 days. The offer is further strengthened by the fact that the customer also avails of an exceptional offer price off the vehicle when they visit dealer showrooms.
“There are a number of new Fiat models due out later this year and already there has been keen interest in these. Opel is always steady, but we added Fiat to take up the slack that has been left since the recession begun.
“In times like these you have to ensure the safe future of the business and by adding Fiat, we feel that we are doing that. Of course business has slowed somewhat, but hopefully it won’t be too long before it returns to a satisfactory level.

Another vehicle gets ready to leave the forecourt

“Opel are offering 0% finance and there are huge customer savings across the full range of models. If anyone wants to find out more about these offers, they should drop into us and a member of staff will be only too delighted to talk to them.”

The location of Central Motors has been pivotal to their success over the years as Patsy admitted that his customers come from far afield for the reliable service.
“We would have a large customer base that would include all the surrounding counties, many of who have been with us for years at this stage. Around 70% of our sales would be from repeat customers.”

Despite a slow down in the sales of new vehicles, Patsy stated that the second hand market has remained stable and with a great emphasis placed on after sales, Central Motors ensure that their customers get the best deal possible.
“The second hand trade is steady enough at the moment and we’re pleased with the way that is going. We concentrate on providing an efficient and reliable service to all of our customers and our after sales department work very hard to make sure that every detail is looked after.”

Central Motors have been Opel dealers for 25 years

The family run business has built a reputation of reliability and trustworthiness while each of the 12 members of staff are highly trained and will deal with all enquiries. Patsy feels that the coming year is an important one for the company as they look to build the Fiat dealership.
“As I said we’re happy with the way the dealership has started and hopefully it will continue to improve over the year. The market is still very volatile and really the aim for this year will be to hang on to what we have. I’ve seen these times before and the experience of being through it should be a help this time around.”