Dublin is set to be the home of Audi’s largest retail and aftersales service centre in Ireland as part of a multi-million-euro investment that will create up to 20 new jobs, it was revealed this week. More than 100 additional jobs will be created during construction and fit-out. The custom-built, multi-storey terminal, designed by Dublin-based EMD Architects, will be located on Bracken Road, Sandyford, and will replace the existing Audi centre on the 20,000 square-metre site. The site is strategically located at Sandyford Interchange on the M50 and is a gateway to Sandyford Business Park along Drummartin Link Road. Construction of the technologically-advanced flagship facility gets underway this month before it opens next year. With a floor area approaching 10,000 square metres this ultra-modern car retail facility will be based around Audi’s newest design concept and will provide an unparalleled retail experience for customers, showcasing the latest in Audi innovations through technology.
Donal Duggan, Head of Business at Audi Centre, said:
“This is a significant investment in the Audi brand, in our customers and in our team – and the creation of this stunning, modern showroom confirms the strength of our position in Dublin and across Ireland as a leading supplier of the prestigious Audi marque.”
“The investment, and the creation of a newly-expanded, dynamic and experienced team, marks another important milestone in the development of our business.”
Dublin and Belfast-based car retailer and aftersales group Charles Hurst, which is part of Lookers plc, one of the largest retail and aftersales service groups in the UK and Ireland, are spearheading the investment as part of an accelerated expansion plan in the growing premium car market.
Steve Dean, Franchise Director of Lookers Audi, commented:
“Audi Centre already offers customers an exceptional choice and a quality customer experience and soon we look forward to further impressing all of our customers – old and new – with our new premises next year.”
The striking new showroom will incorporate significant glazed elements and include curved, dynamic geometry with its modern auto retail design. Internally, the ground floor showroom consists of a customer reception area, service reception, new car display and new car handover bays. Customers will arrive at the first floor by escalators where the main new car display showroom awaits. In total, there will be 20 new cars on display. With panoramic views over Dublin, the sumptuous customer lounges will be situated here. The first-floor showroom also includes Audi Sport display, digital customer lounges and access to an indoor Audi Approved Plus centre for 100 cars.
Henning Dohrn Managing Director of Audi Ireland added:
“Audi is the leading premium car brand in Ireland. Key to this success is our strong and dedicated dealer network. We are delighted to be able to offer customers a market leading showroom from November 2017, which will be the largest Audi dealership in Ireland. Audi Centre will also be the first ‘terminal’ in Ireland to be built with a private Audi digital lounge, a customer experience which takes the next step in the digitalisation of our retail business. The digital lounge is just one of many steps we are taking to maintain our leading position within the premium market in Ireland.”
The new Audi Centre showroom will also be Ireland’s greenest – the building envelope has been designed to include several low energy solutions and a wide range of enhanced service systems aimed at reducing energy consumption. The environmentally friendly showroom boasts fast-charging vehicle facilities for both dual fuel and electric models. The building will also provide an 18-bay service workshop with a publicly-accessible reception and a parts department, linking into the showroom and car wash and valeting facilities where a water treatment plant has been installed.
Construction of the new Audi Centre will mean that all current operations, currently situated in smaller sites at Ballsbridge and Goatstown, will be appropriately realigned and accommodated at the new super site at Sandyford from November 2017, providing a fully cohesive, integrated retail brand experience for all customers and staff. Audi Centre will continue to operate as usual from all three existing locations until November 2017, while the development is under construction. Dublin-based Collen Construction, one of Ireland’s top building contractors, has been officially appointed to oversee the 11-month development project.
