Renault in Ireland

The first showroom

Stephen O'Flaherty acquired the Renault Franchise for Ireland in the early 1950s. He opened his Renault showrooms in a famous Dublin landmark on the corner of Shelbourne Road in Ballsbridge.

Wexford assembly line

In 1964, Con Smith purchased the Renault Franchise believing that Renault had a future in Ireland. He pursued his vision and Renault car assembly began in 1965 on a 5-acre site on the Wexford town waterfront. 

Renault flourishes

In 1972 the Smith Group was bought by Waterford Glass. During the 1970s the Renault group flourished. In 1980 the magnificent Wilton dealership opened in Cork at a cost of £1 million.

Recession hits

The recession of the 1980s threw the Irish car industry into a tail spin. New car registrations plummeted from 106,000 in 1981 to a low of 55,732 new cars in 1987. This slump left a trail of motor company disasters in its wake.

Renault franchise bought for £1

In 1986, following a series of losses, the Renault franchise was acquired by Bill Cullen, a successful Ford main dealer in Dublin - for the now-famous £1.

Renault resurgence

Bill founded the Citygate group in 1999, opening 5 dealers across the Country, Liffey Valley, Airside, Galway, Portlaoise and Ennis. Under Bill the company grew from strength to strength and the year 2000 was one of the best years on record for the Motor Industry.

Renault France take over

In November 2007, Renault France took over the running from Bill Cullen. The following year recession bit again and the ensuing motor industry collapse led to garages closing all over the country. 

Kings of Scrappage In September 2009

Renault launched their own scrappage scheme ahead of the government scrappage announcement. Renault stole the lead and remains out in front for the numbers of cars it has sold under the scheme. This Renault renaissance continues in 2010 as nearly one in five (18pc) of all scrappages to May month-end was a Renault.

The future is electric

Renault are committed to the electric car as seen in their ZE range of electric vehicles. Renault Ireland will be introducing the Kangoo ZE, followed by the Fluence ZE to Ireland in September 2011 so watch out for Renault EVs on the streets of your town!