Tadg Riordan increase staff numbers to keep up with customer demands

By Aideen O’Flaherty

A CAR dealership service manager, with more than 30 years experience working in the motor industry, said that customers are now “more environmentally conscious” than they were in the 80s.

Eric Stokes, originally from Bawnville, works in Tadg Riordan Motors Tallaght, and first started his career with the dealership when he was an apprentice in the 80s.

When asked about car sales, Mr Stokes said: “The biggest increase is in hybrid cars.

“People originally didn’t see a market for it, but now all the manufacturers are going down the hybrid route.”

This follows the news that Toyota is now the best selling passenger car brand in Ireland, and while the Corolla is the brand’s best selling model, there was a year-on-year growth of 115 per cent in sales of their hybrid models compared to 2015.

Tomás Keogh, from Tadg Riordan Motors Tallaght, told The Echo: “People are more switched into hybrid technology, they’re more aware of their carbon footprint.”

A new 5 door Toyota SUV hybrid, called C-HR, is prompting people to take a second look and “take the plunge” into hybrid technology, according to Mr Keogh, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the motor trade.

Toyota sold over 15,000 passenger vehicles in Ireland in 2016, marking an 18.5 per cent year-on-year growth in sales.

The Tallaght dealership noticed the growth in sales, and have expanded the number of staff in the dealership to keep up with customer demand.

When asked about varying demands between secondhand and new cars, Mr Keogh said: “There is a fair mix of people looking for secondhand cars and new cars.

“There is a constant demand for quality assured used cars.

“We’re delighted with the growth in the passenger vehicle market.”

Toyota’s best selling models in 2016 were the Corolla, the Yaris, the Auris and the RAV 4.