Full coverage: Motor industry

In a flat market, the motor finance business acquired by Close Brothers last October is growing market share. Its boss Donal Murphy discusses differentiation in the car loan industry, competition for recruitment and the unpredictability of 252.

From the impact of battery production to fleet management, there is now an answer to every piece of misinformation circulating about electric cars.

DC EV is turning the leap of going electric into a no-strings-attached monthly subscription, while GoPlugable lets neighbours share their home chargers for money. Both are ready to launch.

Gowan Motors is set to sell the bulk of its retail business to Bright Motor Group, which has been on the hunt for new brands to add to its portfolio.

By focusing on the heavy equipment niche, the Claregalway battery technology start-up has convinced investors to back its plans for a fully-fledged factory. The sums at stake had remained secret – until now.

After decades in business, the shareholders of a major truck distributor in Cork have fallen out. A founding family alleges other investors are trying to cut them off from staff and from the truck supplier in the Netherlands, but are expected to face a strong rebuttal in court.

The competition watchdog has just been notified of Nissan Ireland’s full takeover of a car leasing business previously run as a joint venture. There was just one problem: The transaction actually took place last year.

The motor industry has seen a spike in used car sales after pent up demand brought on by the pandemic. The welcome trade helps dealership as new car sales remain sluggish – though not for all brands.