Auto Boland Celebrates Official Opening of New Fiat, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo Dealership in Waterford.
Auto Boland marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, December 11th, with the grand opening of their state-of-the-art Fiat, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo dealership, located at the Cork Road Roundabout, Butlerstown, Waterford. The event, attended by automotive industry leaders and local dignitaries, was a memorable celebration of innovation and community.
The evening featured inspiring addresses from guest speakers, including:
Sean Connick, a former Fianna Fáil Minister of State, captivated the audience with stories about his father, John Connick, who worked in a Fiat Dealership in Ballybricken before opening his own Fiat dealership in New Ross in the late 1970s. Sean shared fond memories of working alongside his father at the New Ross dealership. He also noted that John Connick collaborated with Auto Boland later in his career during the early 1990s, until his unexpected passing. Reflecting on his time in government, Sean also shared insights into the evolution of the motor industry in Ireland.
Anthony Boland Jnr., General Manager of the dealership, who thanked the numerous people who made the new dealership a reality and expressed his excitement for the future of Fiat, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo in Waterford. Adding a personal touch, he joked that now the dealership is complete, he might finally have something different to talk about at the dinner table.
John Saunders, Managing Director of FCA Brands at Gowan Auto, who commented on the bright future of the three brands, not just in Waterford but across Ireland. Saunders noted the long history of collaboration between the Gowan Group and Auto Boland and expressed excitement about the next chapter in their partnership. With a touch of humor, he acknowledged that Auto Boland had proven to be tough businesspeople at times.
Hugo Semichon, a representative from Stellantis, who spoke passionately about the future of Fiat, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo in Ireland and Europe. Semichon highlighted Stellantis’s commitment to providing innovative products to face the challenges of the new electric era of motoring. Adding a humorous anecdote, he recalled meeting Anthony Boland Jnr. years ago in Turin, where after a few drinks, he promised he would personally come to Ireland to open the dealership—an amusing pledge that had now become a reality.
In a symbolic moment, Hugo Semichon officially cut the ribbon, declaring the dealership open.
Guests enjoyed live music by the Libra String Quartet, which added an elegant ambiance to the evening. The celebration also featured exquisite Italian-inspired food and drinks provided by the local catering duo, Eamo & Ró, from Kilmacthomas who delighted attendees with authentic flavours.
The new dealership boasts dedicated spaces for Fiat, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo, as well as exceptional customer facilities, reinforcing Auto Boland’s commitment to delivering the best possible experience for their customers.
This event marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Auto Boland, building on over 100 years of automotive expertise and their dedication to the Waterford community.
See all the photos from the event here
