LUXURY BRANDS COME TO DUBLIN: Bentley is to open a dealership in Dublin. To be operated by its current dealer in the North, Charles Hurst Bentley, the new Dublin showroom is expected to open in the next year.
With sales for the luxury marque in the South currently running at 35 to 40 a year, those behind the move believe it's possible to open the dealership solely as a Bentley operation. However, Richard Stinson, franchise director of Charles Hurst Bentley in Belfast, is keen to bring on board some of the other prestigious brands on sale at its Belfast premises, including Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin and Jaguar. Some of these brands have agreed to the Dublin move while he is awaiting some final signatures before confirmation on others.
Currently the company is looking at premises in Carrickmines as well as on the Finglas Road and the N7 Naas Road which is the most likely.
Last year's sales at Bentley topped 8,600 while this year's are expected to be nearer 10,000.
MAZDA GOES FOR SPORT: Mazda is setting out its stall as a serious player in the sports car market and offering some really competitive pricing to lure customers in.
With the Irish operation now under direct Mazda control, the intention has been to promote the sportier side of its offerings, particularly models such as the MX-5 (pictured) and RX-8. As part of this, new prices for both have just been announced, significantly down on the prices offered when the Japanese marque was under Irish management.
From now on, the new MX-5 will come at €29,995 for the 1.8-litre SE version and €31,595 for a higher spec version. That's €4,000 less than previously. A 2-litre version will launch next year.
As for the RX-8, prices now start at €38,995 for the 190bhp version and €42,995 for the 227bhp Sport version. That's €2,000 less on the entry version and €6,000 less on the high-performance sports version.
"Both model ranges epitomise Mazda's zoom-zoom image," according to the new Mazda managing director David McGonigle, "and are forerunners for some exciting new models Mazda will introduce to the market."
BACKLASH AT BIG-BOY THREESOME: The backlash to a possible three-way alliance between General Motors, Renault and Nissan is gathering momentum. In Detroit local politicians and commentators have accused GM investor Kirk Kerkorian - who instigated the alliance move - of "lobbing a grenade at Detroit".
Meanwhile, French and German union leaders are meeting this week to prepare their opposition to any moves to bring the three brands closer together.
TOYOTA IRELAND RECEIVES ACCLAIM:Mr Fujio Cho, newly elected chairman of Toyota paid a flying visit to Ireland last week as part of a European tour. Mr Cho congratulated Toyota Ireland on their continued success at being number one in the Irish car market.