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As if TV star Catherine Thomas and Jaguar Land Rover COE Dr Ralf Speth were not enough, Jaguar also decided to give Irish buyers their first peek at the new all-electric I-Pace SUV at the opening of Spirit Motors' new flagship showroom in Sandyford, south Dublin.
The new 20,000-square foot showroom encompasses both Jaguar and Land Rover brands, and while the I-Pace was the star of the show, it was very nearly upstaged by the gorgeous Series 1 E-Type stashed in one section, and a cavalcade of other classic Jaguar and Land Rover models.
Spirit has designed the new showroom to be a part of the community in Sandyford, not just a mere car sales centre, and it includes free WiFi, a coffee bar and a relaxed lounge-style waiting area.
Seven models from each brand can be displayed inside, and there are dedicated areas for pre-owned sales, along with the usual exterior displays.
The showroom, which was designed by Paul O'Loughlin & Associates and which has taken a year to build, also includes new handover bays, where customers receive a VIP handover experience before driving straight out of the showroom. There's also a big video wall where customers can build and spec a virtual car before ordering.
Eddie Kavanagh, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Ireland, said: "This is another significant milestone in the redevelopment of our entire retailer network which will be complete later this year. Jaguar Land Rover is enjoying a period of rapid growth with the introduction of several exciting new models, not least the ground-breaking new Jaguar I-Pace. This new flagship facility is a fitting home for our fantastic range of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. I'd like to congratulate the team in Spirit Motor Group and wish them every success in the future."
Jim Ryan, Dealer Principal at Spirit Jaguar Land Rover said: "This redevelopment is another essential step in our growth plans for Spirit Motor Group. It further demonstrates our commitment to Jaguar Land Rover and our ambition to provide first class service and facilities for our valued Jaguar and Land Rover customers. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our flagship facility here in Sandyford."