Kearys, one of Ireland’s largest motor groups, was today unveiled as the exclusive agent in Munster to supply and support BMW’s range of electric vehicles, the award-winning BMW i models.

Minister for Agriculture, Food, the Marine and Defence Simon Coveney T.D., an avid electric vehicle supporter and ambassador for Cork’s 'Drive4Zero' pilot programme, welcomed the news and praised the work of Kearys and other Cork businesses in their ambitious bid to turn Cork into Ireland’s Electric Vehicle Capital.

From today, Kearys BMW will distribute the fully electric BMW i3 and the show-stopping plug-in hybrid supercar, the BMW i8 from its new flagship BMW i showroom in Little Island, Cork. As well as sales, Kearys BMW will also provide its award-winning after-sales service to the BMW i range.

Commenting on the announcement, Bill Keary, Dealer Principal at Kearys BMW said, "We are thrilled to have been chosen by BMW as its exclusive dealer agent for the BMW i range of electric vehicles in Munster. The range is a class apart in terms of its focus on efficient innovation, visionary design and sustainable performance and we’ve already been inundated with customers enquiring about the BMW i range. The buzz around pre-orders is very encouraging.

"2015 is proving to be 'the' year of the electric vehicle and as the largest specialist supplier of electric vehicles in Cork city and county, we’ve seen a measurable increase in the volume of our EV sales and enquiries since the launch of *Drive4Zero *initiative last year. Car buyers are now more discerning than ever and they realize the many benefits of driving an electric vehicle including low running costs, impressive range,
free parking and tolls and of course, the different Government grants that are now readily available for electric vehicle motorists. Everybody connected with the 'Drive4Zero' initiative is aiming for Cork to become the
‘Green Capital’ of Europe and we’re hugely excited by the potential of BMW i range in helping our efforts to be crowned European Green Capital in 2017", Keary added.

Commenting at the launch event, Minister for Agriculture, Food, the Marine and Defence Simon Coveney T.D. said, "*While it’s an obvious boost for Kearys to be named as an exclusive agent for one of the most sought after range of EVs in the world, it’s also a boost for Cork in its Drive4Zero campaign. I’m really encouraged by the growing popularity and excitement that surrounds EVs and I think their improved design and performance is certainly helping to encourage more people to consider making the move to electric cars. It’s encouraging also that customers are educating themselves more on the many benefits and incentives of running an electric vehicle and this augurs well for the continued success of our Drive4Zero campaign. I wish Kearys huge success in their venture with BMW i and I look forward to seeing more EVs in Cork and the wider region on the back of today’s news."