Opel will have a presence in Laois again later this year with the news that husband-and-wife team Michael and Aimee Cummins will take charge of the dealership in a showroom on the Timahoe Road in Portlaoise.
Having operated as MC Automotive with a second-hand car business for the past 12 years, Michael and Aimee have recently been appointed to the Opel Dealer Network.
They are now trading as Cummins Motor Group and their association with Opel will see the car brand return to Laois for the first time since Lewis Opel on the Mountrath Road closed.
The Cummins Motor Group moved into a new premises on the Timahoe Road beside KWS last year (they had previously been further out the same road at the equestrian centre) and it is there that the new Opel showrooms will be developed. It’s hoped that they will be open in November of this year.
As well as Michael and Aimee the business also employs four other staff and will possibly be recruiting further in the coming months. They will continue to operate with the used car side of the business.
From Portlaoise, Michael’s background is as a mechanic while Aimee is a qualified financial advisor, a member of the Institute of Banking and has spent 10 years in the motor industry.
“It’s a very exciting time and we’re inundated with well wishes,” says Michael. “I see it working well for us and for Opel and as they say, what’s for you won’t pass you by.
“We are delighted to join the Opel Dealer Network and thrilled to bring the trusted Opel brand back to Laois.
“I am fiercely proud of our reputation, which has seen us grow steadily over the years to the strong business we are today.
“Our hard work and determination have led us to the Opel franchise appointment and we very much look forward to providing our customers with a full offering of Opel passenger cars and light commercial vehicle sales, services and parts.”
“As Opel continues to grow in strength we are very excited about its rapidly increasing electric range and new products such as the new Grandland, the new Astra, the new Combo-e and the new Movano range.
“Indeed, Opel will market one of the youngest, freshest ranges on the market in 2022. We will welcome Laois motorists to our new showroom this November.”
“The appointment of Cummins Motor Group to the Opel Dealer Network sees a welcome return for us to County Laois,” said James Brook, Managing Director of Leeson Motors, Opel importer in Ireland.
“Strategically an important county we have been absent from for some years, as we seek to further increase our national passenger car and light commercial vehicle market share.
“I warmly welcome Michael and Aimee and their team to the Opel Dealer Network and I wish them every success with the Opel brand. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and I thank them both for their commitment and investment in the Opel brand.”
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Midlands Park Hotel recognise their long-serving staff with Employee Appreciation event
