Over the last few years, Drogheda benefited greatly from the Celtic Tiger as many new businesses have opened up and one such company is Western Motors Ltd. One year ago, the Volkswagon and Audi dealer moved into the M1 Retail Park and the Wee County spoke to Drogheda Sales Manager Derek Brady about the success of the business. Many may think that Western Motors are a relatively new business, but this is certainly not the case as the firm have been operating in Galway for 45 years and are one of the longest established car dealers in the country. Initially the business was set up by Jim McCormack and his wife Anne and they were Massey Ferguson Tractor dealers, but over the years the business diversified into cars and they now have the Volkswagon and Audi franchise at both facilities. These times, the day to day running of the business is in the hands of their two sons James and Simon, who have continued to provide an efficient and reliable service to a large customer base, just like their parents had. Derek revealed that it is a tight knit group that helps run the business and he paid tribute to a loyal staff that ensure that the standards set are maintained. "The success of the company has always been based on the hard work and loyalty of a core of staff that have been with us throughout the years, both good and bad," said Derek. "We have been based here for the past two years and I must say we have been delighted with the way that the business has gone so far. Obviously sales have slowed down slightly, but we are geared for that." Derek admitted that the location of the dealership was a major selling point with passing trade making up for a large part of their sales, although their reputation for providing an excellent service means that people would still come from far and wide to do business. "Our location certainly helps as we are just situated one minute off the M1 and we do get a lot of passing trade dropping in and making enquiries. Our staff are only too willing to help out with any questions that a customer may have." A feature that Western Motors has on its rivals in the north east is that they are the only Audi dealer in the area, which is a major boost to them. "There is no other Audi dealer in the area; you have to go to Dublin for the nearest one. Audi has an excellent reputation for reliability and we have customers coming from all over to purchase them." The state of the art premises built cover all areas of car sales, including parts, service, finance, contract lease and after sales. "We cover everything and after sales is an important part of our business as we want to ensure that a customer is happy with the vehicles they have purchased. Repeat custom is also an integral part of the business and if we provide the proper service, then people will come back to us. "Western Motors have many years experience in the business and this helps keep us ahead of the competition. However, we have to work hard to ensure that it stays that way. "At the Drogheda branch, we stock a wide selection of new and used vehicles. In total, we probably have in the region of 300 used cars on show at all times and these include a wide variety of makes and models." Derek also spoke about the new models that would be on the market over the coming months, which are plentiful to say the least as both Volkswagon and Audi make changes. "Volkswagon are bringing out new models in the Scirocco, Golf and Passat range, while Audi are upgrading the A3, A4, A6 and the Q5 SUV, so it will be a busy time for us over the coming months. "Obviously the first quarter of the year is our busiest period for new vehicles, but this year we have been steady throughout and hopefully that will remain the same." Derek, who hails from Bellewstown, Co. Meath, added that they have a member of staff, who was part of the Newtown Blues squad that won the Louth county title this year. "Our service manager Stephen Delahan is part of the Newtown Blues squad that won the county final this year and we're proud to be associated with that fact. "A lot of our customers are involved in the GAA, so it is important that we have a good relationship with the association, which is something that we pride ourselves on." Club football in Louth has been very strong for a number of years and while the county has made strides at a national level, their supporters are crying out for some success. Eamon McEneaney has brought the county to a new level and all involved will be hoping that 2009 could be their year and Western Motors Ltd will be cheering them on throughout. Tweet

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