Connolly’s Volvo Cars, the dedicated Volvo dealer for Galway, is celebrating after the franchise was named the EV Dealership of the Year for Connacht.
Connolly’s, located in Galway City, was named the regional winner for Connacht in the annual awards by Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI).
General manager Tom Raftery accepted the award on behalf of the dealership at a gala ceremony in the Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge, Co. Dublin, on Thursday, February 20.
Connolly’s Volvo Cars progressed to the provincial final after being named the ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year for Galway earlier this year.
More than 130 car dealerships from across the country entered the fourth annual ZEVI awards, which sets out to recognise car dealerships that work to increase consumer understanding and experience of EVs and their uptake on Irish roads.
Award judges found Connolly’s Volvo Cars team to be leaders in EV sales, showroom presentation, and staff knowledge and expertise.
The franchise will now contest the national final at the SEAI Energy Show in the RDS on March 26.
The ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year honours come as the outlet celebrated its two-year anniversary in January this year.
Connolly’s Volvo Cars has grown significantly since opening its doors in 2023, increasing its staff numbers to 15 across its various service lines, opening its upstairs showroom with space for up to 60 new vehicles, and expanding its aftersales department.
The franchise has hosted TV architect and Volvo Car Ireland brand ambassador Dermot Bannon at promotional events and has sponsored community events like the Masters Thursday golf tournament at Dromoland Castle in Clare, and the Quest Adventure Series, which is regarded by some as the best multi-sport adventure race in the world.
Plans are in place to further grow the total workforce to 20 in the next 12 months and increase its sponsorships of community events and sports competitions.
The promotion of EVs is a key plank of the company’s commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuel-powered cars, a strategy which began with following the industry standard of ending of all diesel vehicle sales in 2023 and continues with the recent release of two new fully electric Volvo models, the EX30 and EX90.
Based in Briarhill Business Park in Ballybrit, Galway, the garage offers Volvo customers all the benefits of a service booked through a franchise dealer, including access to authentic Volvo car parts, specialist diagnostic and maintenance equipment specific to Volvo vehicles, and factory-trained technicians.
Connolly’s Volvo Cars General Manager Tom Raftery hails the ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year honour for Connacht is as a “fantastic achievement” for the team and recognition for the hard work of Volvo to futureproof its brand.
The award is a fantastic achievement for the whole team, and we look forward to building on this success at the national finals at the RDS in March.
“The continued growth of EVs on our roads will be essential if Ireland is to meet its commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport and we see ourselves as key players in that mission, beginning with our decision to cease all sales of diesel cars in 2023.”
