Volkswagen – a byword for quality and value
The Volkswagen concept of ‘the people’s car’ was created in 1934 by Ferdinand Porsche. Early Volkswagens were designed to be an affordable and reliable means of transport for everyone – qualities and values that are still reflected in today’s range of vehicles. Since those early days the company has developed to become a major global force in car manufacturing.

Volkswagen Ireland – a unique place in Volkswagen history
In 1949, Motor Distributors Limited, founded by the late and legendary Stephen O’Flaherty was successful in securing the Volkswagen franchise for Ireland. In 1953, Mr. O’Flaherty acquired the Volkswagen franchise for the UK, which he subsequently sold to the Thomas Tilling group in 1957.

Motor Distributors’ appointment to handle Volkswagen in Ireland took practical shape during 1950, when a consignment of Beetles arrived into Dublin packed in crates in what was termed ‘completely knocked down’ form ready to be assembled here. A former tram depot, now the premises occupied by Ballsbridge Motors on Shelbourne Road was acquired for this purpose. There, the first Volkswagen ever built outside Germany was assembled, establishing Ireland’s unique place in the history of Volkswagen worldwide.

With demand for Irish-assembled Beetles rapidly rising from an output of 46 units in 1950 to 2,155 units in 1952, the assembly business quickly outgrew the Shelbourne Road premises. In 1955, assembly was transferred to a new factory premises on Naas Road. Beetle assembly continued there until 1980 when production of the model ceased in Europe.

Volkswagen assembly in Ireland
From modest beginnings, Volkswagen vehicle assembly continued in Dublin until the mid-1980s. Apart from providing employment for the growing number of assembly workers involved, it generated the output of vehicles required to secure Volkswagen’s position as one of Ireland’s leading and most popular model ranges.

Volkswagen’s contribution
Volkswagen makes an important contribution to Irish social and commercial life. For countless thousands of Irish motorists and their families, Volkswagen has long been a byword for quality and reliability. The Beetle occupies a special place in the affections of many, as does its successor, the Golf. As one commentator put it ‘at some time or another, a Volkswagen product has had a part to play in the lives of almost everyone living in Ireland’.

For most of the thirty years it was available here (1950-1980), Beetle sales in Ireland averaged 3,000-4,000 units per annum, reaching a high point in 1972 when 5,288 units were sold. The introduction of the Golf in 1975 helped move Volkswagen sales forward at a more rapid pace to a point where total Volkswagen sales in Ireland since 1950 are now approaching 300,000 units.