Florian Huettl, Opel’s global CEO, enjoyed an historic visit to Dublin on 16th July, to meet with the Opel Ireland team at Gowan Auto, Irish importer of Opel vehicles and spare parts. The high-octane, one-day itinerary included an Opel dealer visit, an in-depth business review, an insightful town hall address to Opel employees and Dealers, and an interview with national media. The Irish premiers of the new Opel Corsa Hybrid and the new Movano were held at Gowan Auto’s distribution centre during the town hall.
Pictured from left to right: James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland; Florian Huettl, global CEO of Opel; Michael Dwan, Gowan Group Managing Director.
Florian Huettl said of the visit: “Opel has a long and successful history in Ireland with a loyal customer base. We have seen consistent success, especially in the light commercial vehicle segment, where Opel enjoys a market share of 8 percent, a growth of 48 percent in the first half of 2024, compared to the same time last year. We have also succeeded in increasing our overall market share in Ireland.”
He continued: “I congratulate the employees of Opel and Gowan Auto as well as the Opel Dealer Network of Ireland on these successes, and I thank them for their efforts and achievements. I am sure that this motivated team will continue to drive Opel forward in Ireland with sustainable and continuous growth.”
Addressing Opel staff and Dealers are James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland and Florian Huettl, Opel CEO.
Inspiring his audience throughout the day, Florian’s address further galvanised team spirit at a momentous time for the brand as it celebrates a 125-year milestone in 2024. First founded by Adam Opel in Russelsheim, Germany, since 1899, the carmaker has made mobility affordable for millions of people and has continuously enthused the public with innovative models. Today, the brand looks ahead to entering a bright new electrified chapter in its history: by the end of 2024, all passenger car and light commercial vehicle models in the Opel range will offer fully electric powertrains.
The town hall gathering of Opel staff and dealers in the Gowan Gallery marketing suite.
In the spirit of Opel’s new motto, Forever Forward Since 1899, Florian’s visit to Dublin was the perfect platform to celebrate several milestones. Eleven Opel Dealers were presented with trophies, to mark their many decades of partnership and commitment to the brand, whilst a member of Opel Ireland’s staff, Ken McKinley, was also commended for his 39 years of service.
Florian Huettl, Opel CEO, addresses staff and dealers at a town hall in Gowan Auto’s distribution centre, Citywest
Florian Huettl, Opel CEO, pictured with the recently launched new Opel Astra Electric and the new Opel Corsa Hybrid.
Underlining its commitment to the blitz brand, the Gowan Group, established in 1969 and now representing 8 Stellantis brands in Ireland, invested in a new Distribution Centre in Citywest, which opened in 2023. Opel’s new home in Ireland boasts expansive office space, an 80,000sq ft parts warehouse, a contemporary training academy, and an extensive marketing showroom.
In recognition of his 39 years of service to the Opel brand, Ken McKinley is presented with an award by James Brooks, Opel Ireland MD and Florian Huettl, Opel global CEO.