General News
26 May, 2023
Irelands sell out
End of era for historic 100-year-old family car and truck dealership
THE longest continuouslyowned business in Cairns – motor dealership FR Ireland Pty Ltd – has been bought by industry giant Eagers Automotive.
The multimillion-dollar deal is settled on May 31, just four days before the Irelands celebrate 100 years in business.
The Ireland family name will be retained. Being sold is the freehold 3ha property and business at 225 Mulgrave Rd.
The company holds Mitsubishi, GMSV, Jeep, RAM truck and Isuzu truck franchises as well as used cars and workshops.
Joint managing director Richard Ireland said all 91 staff would be retained as would be the management team, led by new dealer-principal Jon Maurice.
He said it was a bittersweet moment for he and brother David, but the timing was right.
Mr Ireland said there were no family members – his four children or David’s two – who wanted to take over the task of running the fourth-generation business.
“There are no family members in the business. They have their own careers, are happy in their own careers,” he said.
“They have seen how hard we’ve worked when they were growing up and they were not needing to repeat that. Running a business today is hard.” In a statement Eagers said:
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Ireland’s of Cairns, a long established and iconic multi brand dealership group based in Cairns, Queensland, including Mitsubishi, Isuzu Truck, RAM and Jeep franchises.
“The acquisition will include approximately 24,000sqm of property centrally located in the Cairns retailing precinct, with settlement expected on May 31, 2023,” it said.
“The addition of this business and property will further expand our footprint and complement existing operations in North Queensland, while also providing a beachhead to grow with partners such as BYD (Chinese electric brand) and consider our EasyAuto123 rollout plans.”
Decades of brothers’ loyalty
Ireland grandsons have kept family motor business humming along since 70s
RICHARD and David Ireland knew from an early age – three or four – they would be working at “the shop”.
Richard underwent a commerce degree while David did an A grade mechanical apprenticeship before joining the company.
Together they have served 91 years at Ireland’s of Cairns.. The brothers, grandsons of founder Francis Ireland MBE, have served their entire careers at the family business and played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation into what it is today.
The brothers were fortunate to take over a well-respected and sound business from their father, Ron Ireland OAM, who thoroughly trained and mentored them in all things automotive.
Over the years, Richard and David have been instrumental in the growth of the company, leading it through many cycles in the economy and development of the business.
They have weathered some of the most turbulent years in the motor industry and have contributed to the city’s strong business fabric.
“You have to be a large player to keep up with investment and training,” Richard Ireland said. Mr Ireland said they started losing interest after General Motors axed the Holden brand in 2020.
“When GM pulled Holden out of Australia we lost the passion for business. It was like someone murdering your grandfather,” he said.
David Ireland said constant legislative renewals and rule changes by their suppliers were making running the business harder and harder.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and it’s hard to believe that we’re stepping down after all these years,” Richard Ireland said.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved at Ireland’s, and we’re confident that the business will continue to thrive under new leadership,” he said.
“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from our staff and clients over 100 years, and we thank them for their loyalty and dedication. David Ireland said:
”It’s bittersweet, but we’re looking forward to spending more time with our families and pursuing our recreational interests.”
Both Richard and David have been recognised for their contributions to the motor industry, including lifetime achievement awards in 2022 from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association.
Richard has been additionally honoured with life membership of Advance Cairns as well as the Order of Australia medal for service to the community of Cairns in a range of roles.
The brothers will continue in business, operating from a small office in Mulgrave Rd near the Cairns Showground.
They have commercial property interests in Cairns as well as two Weipa service stations which employ 40 people. F R Ireland Pty Ltd marks 100 years on June 4, 2023.
Richard Ireland said Eagers were planning some sort of promotion in June to mark the centenary as well as a family dinner with close friends and a 50-page commemorative magazine in June, both in print and online.
The Irelands said some of the highlights included:
• Winning dealer of year awards
• The $3 million makeover in 2013 with a new showroom, upgraded workshops, new service reception area and increased sales staff space.
• Travelling the world attending various automobile conferences
• The longevity of staff with many serving 10 years or more.
Toughest moments:
• Telling the staff they were selling
• Losing Holden and Mercedes-Benz franchises
• Closing Ireland Farm and Lawn and retrenching 24 staff.
About Eagers:
• Eagers is one of the largest motor dealership groups in Australasia with sales revenue of $8.7bn, a wide portfolio of 43 brands including sales leaders, 328 dealerships in Australia and New Zealand and 7738 employees.
