All over the country renewal and redevelopment is taking place in motor dealerships.
The pace of modernisation here far exceeds that in most European countries, especially in provincial areas, where franchises for some big volume or prestigious marques are often in nondescript buildings.
One of Dublin's largest BMW dealers, Joe Duffy (Motors) has just embarked on the development of €15 million premises beside the M50 at Finglas which is due for completion in November next. Managing director Owen Crinigan says when it opens it will be the largest BMW dealership in Europe with over 50,000 square feet.
It will also be the tallest motor dealership with five stories, three of which will be located over mezzanine level showrooms. "The idea is to make our showroom exhibits visible to all motorists travelling northbound and southbound on the M50. We think we can claim to be the best positioned retail motor premises in the country."
The move, from Griffith Avenue, comes propitiously as the company celebrates 30 years in business as a BMW dealership. Over 50 are employed currently but he expects the new location to generate extra business and thus extra jobs.
Owen Crinigan began his motor trade career as a salesman in Dublin with Walden Motors, later moving to Fairlane. After a spell as sales manager of DG Opel, in 1984 he was co-opted to the board of Joe Duffy (Motors) Limited.
He thinks customer care is the number one priority for the retail motor trade.
"It's much quoted but many times not practised. We can have all the technology in the world but in a business like ours, it's all about relationships and trust and we would like to think that we do it better or best here."
The new location will include 100 underground car park spaces and a further 148 on ground level. There will be 14 dedicated BMW service bays - and a café area with light refreshments.