The Chevrolet brand in Ireland has received a major boost with the announcement that Chevrolet UK is taking control of the distribution in Ireland. As a result dealers, new car buyers and existing drivers in Ireland are set to benefit from the strength of one of the world's largest car brands, with Chevrolet taking on direct responsibility for selling cars and parts in the country through Chevrolet UK and Ireland.

From March 1st 2012, the Chevrolet sales network in Ireland will be fully backed by the existing Chevrolet UK business, one of the brand's national sales companies and not a private importer. Chevrolet sees the Irish market as a further opportunity to grow its market share and appeal in Europe. The dealer network will be enhanced and new dealers appointed as the new setup takes shape.

Mark Terry, Managing Director for Chevrolet UK and Ireland, said: "While the Irish market isn't one of the biggest in Europe, it represents a real opportunity for a brand like Chevrolet to grow and develop yet further.

"With the great range of cars we now have, our competitive CO2 figures, low purchase and ownership costs and a dedicated team here in the UK that covers every aspect of the business, I'm confident we can become a major player in Ireland, significantly adding to our future sales and parts volumes, and moreover delivering exactly the type of cars that the Irish markets wants and needs."

Chevrolet has presented its development plans to a number of Irish dealers and dealer groups, many of whom held Chevrolet franchises with the previous importer, and the new network is already up and ready for business.

"After we presented our plans, over two-thirds of the previous Chevrolet network in Ireland signed up to partner our business," added Mr. Terry. "And we're at the early stage - I look forward to welcoming more of them on board very soon."

As well as the advantage of being part of a national sales country, Chevrolet's Irish partners will benefit from the company's existing sales, aftersales, parts, warranty, marketing and PR support, with a large focus on raising awareness of the Chevrolet brand and its presence in the territory over the coming months.

Initially, four models will be offered to the Irish market - the Spark, the New Aveo, the Cruze (both four and five-door) and the Captiva. New models, including the Cruze Station Wagon that debuts at this month's Geneva Motor Show, will join the line-up later.