Gowan Distributors appointed national importer for DS Automobiles

Gowan Group Limited has today announced that one of its subsidiaries, Gowan Distributors Limited, has been appointed as national importer in Ireland for DS Automobiles motor vehicles and aftersales services.

DS Automobiles is the premium automobile brand of the PSA Group and has been a standalone brand since 2015. Models include the DS 3 Crossback and DS 7 Crossback SUV’s, and the DS 9 luxury saloon will be added to the range in June 2021.

Its vehicles and aftersales services will initially be marketed through an exclusive DS Salon outlet which will be located in Dublin, with additional outlets planned in Cork, Limerick and Galway as the model range expands.

Gowan Group is engaged in commercial discussions with Automobiles Citroen S.A. regarding the proposal that it would, subject to contract and any relevant regulatory approvals, be appointed as national importer in Ireland for Citroen motor vehicles and aftersales services.

Gowan Group says it will endeavour to agree mutually beneficial commercial arrangements with Automobiles Citroen S.A. to take over the importing and selling of Citroen vehicles in Ireland with effect from April 1, 2021, subject to legal agreements. Gowan Group had from 1982 to 2009 acted as importer for Citroen vehicles in Ireland through its subsidiary, Gallic Distributors Limited.

International Motors (IM Group) announced today that it is to relinquish its Citroen contract for Irish distribution from next April 1.

Citroen vehicle sales, spare parts and after sales services will continue to operate through the existing Citroen dealership network in Ireland. At present, there is a network of 24 franchise dealerships in Ireland and five aftersales service providers.

Michael Dwan, Gowan Group managing director said: “We are delighted to be appointed as the DS national importer for Ireland. Furthermore, we are well advanced in discussions with Automobiles Citroen S.A. with a view to becoming national importer for Citroen vehicles.

“Gowan Group has a rich history with Citroen in Ireland, having imported and sold the brand for 27 years in this Country up to 2009. If discussions are successful and legal agreements and any relevant regulatory approvals are concluded, we will commence importation on April 1, 2021.

“We are committed to selling and servicing through the existing Citroen network of dealers and service providers.”