A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Ford B-Max design revealed
WHILE FORD prepares to launch a new styling for its future models, based on the Evos concept and beginning with the next-generation Mondeo, some life remains in the current design format. Next year will see the arrival of the B-Max, a more spacious version of the current Fiesta format. The model (pictured) will be 320mm shorter than the C-Max, and feature rear sliding doors with an integrated centre pillar (b-pillar) that means easy access to the cabin. Set to rival the Opel Meriva, its engine line-up will include the current array of Fiesta powertrains, but also a new 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder unit. It’s pencilled in for a launch at next year’s Geneva motor show.
Frank Keane takes on VW franchise
FRANK KEANE, who operates a major BMW dealership on Naas Road in Dublin, is to take on a Volkswagen franchise at a new premises in the Long Mile Road area.
The new dealership is due to open in October, but the plan includes the development of a completely new premises for the VW business in the next few years. According to Keane, the addition of a VW branch to his motor business will have no impact on the current BMW and Mini business operated on Naas Road, or on his recent purchase of the former Maxwell Motors premises in Blackrock.
The addition of Frank Keane to the VW dealer network marks the latest move in a significant shake-up of Volkswagen’s operations in Ireland. Alongside the new Keane dealership, MSL, the retailing arm of Motor Distributors, is taking over the VW sales operation at the site of Foster Motors in Sandyford, Co Dublin.
These changes form part of VW’s plan to have 35 dealers nationwide by 2013, with four outlets in Dublin. These include the current VW dealership in Airside, Swords, operated by McAllisters; the new outlet operated by Frank Keane; the MSL facility at Foster Motors, which will ultimately consolidate MSL’s Volkswagen operations in Dublin; and a new dealership in the north of the city that has yet to be confirmed.
Frankfurt revving up
FRANKFURT’S UBER motor show – the largest car show on the planet, certainly in terms of stands and hall sizes – opens its doors next week.
The great and the good of the motoring world will gather to reveal more than 40 new models, stretching over 10 enormous halls. We have a full preview of the show on our Motors blog at irishtimes.com/motors, along with images of many of the new cars due to be unveiled.
Next week we will have live coverage of the event on the website, starting on Monday evening and following on throughout the press day on Tuesday. We will then have full reports from the show on next week’s Motors pages.