Renowned Kildare motor dealers, Fitzpatrick Garage Group, have been appointed as authorised main dealers for the Mercedes-Benz range of passenger cars.

The appointment, which has immediate effect, will see Fitzpatrick begin operation as main retail sales and after-sales service dealers for the luxury German carmaker. The business will be based in new showrooms dedicated to Mercedes-Benz located adjacent to their existing premises at Dublin Road in Kildare Town.

Established in 1951, the Fitzpatrick Garage Group has grown to become one of the largest and most successful motor retailing organisations in Ireland with dealerships situated in Kildare, Naas, Carlow and Tullamore. Founded by Jimmy Fitzpatrick, the group is now managed by his nephew, managing director Andy Fitzpatrick.

In becoming main dealers for Mercedes-Benz, the appointment rekindles a relationship that existed between the two organisations at a very early point in the Fitzpatrick Garage Group’s history as motor dealers in Kildare when, along with a selection of other brands, the company had the distinction of representing the luxury car maker.

To underline the significance of their appointment and the role which Fitzpatricks hope to play in the future success of Mercedes-Benz in Ireland, their managing director Andy Fitzpatrick said: "Joining the Mercedes-Benz network gives us the feeling of coming home again to a franchise that we were proud to represent during the first 25 years of our history."

Responding, Mercedes-Benz chief executive in Ireland, Stephen Byrne said: "Thanks to our rapidly expanding model range, Mercedes-Benz has ambitious growth plans that we are confident the appointment of Fitzpatrick Garage Group, with their presence in the highly populated and affluent Kildare area, will help us to achieve."