Inside the industry with Andrew Hamilton
FRANK'S BIG NIGHT: Frank Keane's 50 years in the Irish motor industry and 35 years as BMW importer were celebrated in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, last Wednesday evening. Pat Kenny was compere and speakers included Robin Rennicks, Brian and Mary Foley, Hans Helten, who awarded Frank the BMW franchise in 1967, and this correspondent. Entertainment was by Paddy Cole and Ronnie Drew, a school classmate more than half a century ago. In our interview here last week Frank said he didn't have Formula One ambitions - but we accidentally thrust F1 greatness on his son, Brian, describing him in a caption as Juan Pablo Montoya.
NEW FROM BMW: The latest news from BMW is 730d and 740d versions of the 7-series with 6- and 8-cylinder second-generation common-rail diesel engines. We'll see them in Ireland next year: they go on sale in Germany in October at €58,000 and €75,700.
NEW AUDI FLAGSHIP: Audi has just released details of its new A8 flagship with two V8 engines of 4.2 and 3.7 litres. It goes on Irish sale in January.
ROVER 75 IN RANGE: MG Rover Ireland has launched what it claims is the "most affordable" Rover 75, the 1.8 Classic at €29,500 ex works, a reduction of €3,450 on the previous 1.8 Classic. Also new in the 75 line-up is the Elite, available with Classic, Club and Connoisseur spec levels that have been enhanced. According to John Donegan, marketing and commercial director, the new Classic is now closer competitively to cars such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. "On the Elite, we are offering extras as standard that are valued between €3,000 and €4,000."
HAVE TRUCK WILL TRAVEL: The Ray O'Brien motor group, based at Naas and Newbridge in Co Kildare, has just added Mitsubishi trucks to its portfolio. The group, employing 90, already sells Mitsubishi cars as well as Mazda, Opel and Mercedes light commercial vehicles.
GOOD NEWS: Petrol prices are falling slightly, says the AA. Regular unleaded now costs an average of 89.5 cent, down by 1.4 cent on the same figure for June. Diesel was also down with a litre now costing 79 cent. Once again the AA is pointing out huge prices variations between areas. The message is: shop around.
HELPING HANDS: The Ford Dealer of Ireland organisation is supporting sailor Maria Coleman at the Athens Olympics in 2004. The Baltimore star, winner of the Cork Dry Gin Sailor of the Year award, is considered one of Ireland's strongest gold medal hopes.