Frank Keane Group has officially opened its new Volkswagen showrooms in Sandyford, south Dublin.
More than 400 guests attended a VIP opening event last week as the new 2,500sq/m Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles retail outlets opened their doors following significant investment.
Set on 1.75 acres and built to fit Volkswagen’s exacting corporate identity, the state-of-the-art facilities boast space for more than 20 vehicles, 15 workshop ramps and a standalone valeting centre.
Frank Keane Volkswagen now employs more than 60 people in Sandyford, a 140% increase since they started selling Volkswagens in the area six years ago. In total, more than 140 people are employed across their Volkswagen operations in Dublin.
The new facilities currently hold a total of 17 DC and AC chargers. In addition, the buildings are future proofed to increase their EV infrastructure by over 100%.
Founder Frank Keane, who celebrated his 90th birthday on the night, was presented with a pair of specially commissioned paintings to mark his landmark anniversary.
Earlier that day, the automotive legend found time to sell a brand new Volkswagen T-Roc to a customer, rubber stamping the successful formula that has inspired more than 50 years of automotive excellence.
Founded in 1967, Frank Keane Group is one of Ireland’s leading automotive organisations. The Group has been delivering superior quality and outstanding customer service for more than 50 years.
One of the most recognisable names in the Irish Motor Industry, Frank Keane became interested in cars at an early age through his fascination with motor racing. In 1967, he was awarded the BMW franchise for Ireland.
In December 2011, Frank Keane Group was awarded the Volkswagen franchise and operated from a premises on the Long Mile Road. In 2014, it opened its first flagship Volkswagen store in Liffey Valley. Three years later, it celebrated its 50th anniversary in business. The Group now employs more than 400 people across its Irish operations.
Billy Riordan, CEO of Frank Keane Holdings Limited, said: “We have worked tirelessly over the past few years to make this dealership a reality, and we are thrilled to finally be able to share it with our loyal customers.
“Volkswagen has a long and storied history of producing some of the most reliable and innovative vehicles on the market, from the iconic Beetle to the cutting-edge ID.4 and eye-catching ID Buzz. Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and we are proud to be able to bring these incredible vehicles to our customers here at our new dealership.”
Among the guests of honour on the night was broadcasting legend, and personal friend of Frank Keane, Pat Kenny who recounted stories of his own Volkswagen Beetle driving days. Guests were keen to get their picture taken with the Irish Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year winning ID. Buzz while a string quartet provided the soundtrack.
Alan Bateson, Brand Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars Ireland, who presented Frank Keane a pair of specially commissioned paintings in recognition of his landmark birthday, said: “I would like to thank Frank Keane Group for investing in this outstanding facility. Passion, energy and a desire to be the best; just some of the qualities that made Frank Keane a leader in the Irish automotive sector. Despite 50 years of unparalleled success, Frank Keane Group remains at its core a family business and one we are proud to call part of the larger Volkswagen family.”
