Frank Kane is opening a new showroom in south Dublin
Frank Keane Group has officially opened its new Volkswagen showrooms in Sandyford, South Dublin.
More than 400 guests attended a VIP opening ceremony last week, as the new 2,500 square meter Volkswagen Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle retail outlets opened their doors after significant investment.
Set on 1.75 acres and built to fit Volkswagen’s strict corporate identity, the state-of-the-art facilities feature space for more than 20 vehicles, 15 workshops and an independent vehicle service centre.
Frank Keane Volkswagen now employs more than 60 people in Sandyford, a 140% increase since it began selling Volkswagen cars in the area six years ago. In total, more than 140 people work at Volkswagen’s Dublin operations.
The new facilities currently have a total of 17 DC and AC chargers. Additionally, the buildings are equipped with future-proof standards to increase EV infrastructure by more than 100%.
Founder Frank Kane, who celebrated his 90th birthday that night, was presented with a pair of plaques specially designed to commemorate his historic anniversary.
Earlier that day, the automotive legend found time to sell a brand-new Volkswagen T-Roc to a customer, sealing the successful formula that has inspired more than 50 years of automotive excellence.
Founded in 1967, the Frank Keane Group is one of Ireland’s leading automotive organisations. The group has been providing high quality and outstanding customer service for over 50 years.
One of the most recognizable 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 acquired the BMW franchise in Ireland.
In December 2011, the Frank Kane Group acquired the Volkswagen franchise and operated it from headquarters on Long Mile Road. In 2014, it opened its first Volkswagen flagship store in the Liffey Valley. Three years later, it celebrated its 50th anniversary in business. The group now employs more than 400 people in 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 delighted 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 cars on the market, from the iconic Beetle to the cutting-edge ID.4 and the eye-catching ID Buzz. Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and we are proud to be able to offer these cars.” Amazing experience for our clients here at our new dealership.
Guests of honor that night included radio legend and personal friend of Frank Keene, Pat Keene, who told stories of his days driving a Volkswagen Beetle. The guests were keen to take pictures with the Irish car that won the Irish Car of the Year award and the Irish Truck of the Year award. fanfare while a string quartet provided the soundtrack.
“I would like to thank the Frank Kane Group for investing in this outstanding facility,” said Alan Batson, Brand Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars in Ireland, who presented Frank Kane with a pair of specially designed plaques in recognition of his milestone birthday. “The passion, energy and desire to be the best.” Just some of the qualities that have made Frank Kane a leader in the Irish automotive sector. Despite 50 years of unrivaled success, the Frank Kane Group remains at its core a family business and we are proud to call it part of the wider Volkswagen family.
