Leading Clare motor dealer has changed hands

A CLARE business that has been trading for nearly seven decades has been sold in one of the county’s most significant deals of 2022.

Western Garages of Ennis has been operating as the main Volkswagen dealership in Clare for the last 66 years and has been acquired this week by Pierse Motors.

The business has established itself as one of the region’s premier motor dealerships employing 20 staff members.

Justin Wall and Brendan J Wall of Western Garages said, “We would like to sincerely thank our customers for their loyalty and custom over the past 66 years. The success of Western Garages would not have been possible without the loyalty of our customers.

“We have a team of exceptional staff, who are trained to the highest standards and will continue to work with the Pierse Motor Group and be on hand to offer their expertise to customers from June 22.

“We are confident that the Pierse Motor Group will continue our tradition, offering excellence in sales and service for the Volkswagen brand in Clare.”

The Pierse Motor Group has acquired the site located on the Quin Road for an undisclosed sum. Pierse Motors was established in 1980 by twin brothers Gerry and Arthur Pierse.

Gary Pierse, Managing Director of the Pierse Motor Group, commented: “We would like to welcome the Western Garages staff and customers to the Pierse Motor Group. We are excited with the prospects of representing the Volkswagen brand in Clare and are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

The transition to Pierse Volkswagen Ennis will commence from June 22. Customers who have ordered new or used vehicles or who have booked servicing and maintenance will be unaffected by the transition.

The Volkswagen brand is extremely popular in Clare and was the most popular brand for new car sales in 2020. In 2021, the all-electric ID.4 was the most popular BEV sold in Clare – a feat it has retained in 2022 year to date.