Gowan Auto opens new €30m distribution centre

Gowan Auto, a subsidiary of Gowan Group, has opened its new distribution centre in Citywest, Co Dublin, following a €30 million investment.

The new distribution centre encompasses a new warehouse, office space, training academy and marketing showroom, employing 130 people.

Gowan Auto is the exclusive importer and distributor of Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Honda, Jeep, Opel and Peugeot in the Republic of Ireland. It also operates with 150 dealerships nationwide.

Claiming to hold almost 10 per cent of new passenger car registrations, and almost 25 per cent of new light commercial vehicle registrations in Ireland in 2022, Gowan Auto says it and its nine brands have set their sights on considerable, sustainable growth in the coming years.

The increased capacity of Gowan Auto’s new warehouse allows for expanded stock holding levels, which it claims will result in enhanced delivery times for customers. Gowan Auto adds that it has also introduced shared services across its nine motor brands which means its dealer network can avail of centralised IT support, enhanced customer care, parts and finance teams.

Gowan Auto says the new facility has 26 electric vehicle charging bays – the most in any one location in Ireland. The firm also states that it is currently on track to meet 2030 emissions targets with all its brands intending to be fully electrified in that timeframe.

Michael Dwan, chief executive at Gowan Group, commented at the opening: “We are pleased to officially open the new Gowan Auto distribution centre, including flagship showroom, training academy and warehouse.

“It is a really positive step in our story and will importantly result in increased efficiencies and accessibility for our dealer network.”

He added: “This investment will play an important role in our growth over the coming years as we target considerable expansion in key areas. One such area where we see a significant opportunity is electric vehicles.

“This is a major focus for us and our partners as we aim to fully support the government’s ambitious climate action targets, as each of our brands fully embraces a move to pure electric, zero local-emissions mobility.”

Attending the event, Linda Jackson, CEO of Peugeot, commented: “The strategic ambition of Gowan Auto is clearly demonstrated by this major investment which has delivered a state-of-the-art facility on a par with anything I’ve seen across Europe.

“The foundations and track record of this family business underpin Gowan Auto’s growth and development, and we at Peugeot, part of Stellantis, look forward to continuing our strong commercial relationship with the business.”