John Mulholland Motors Ltd - Randalstown

[ak89]

We've bought 4 skodas off John Mulholland, always found him to be very helpful, very good service

[John Mulholland]

For immediate release: 17 July 2007

Czech this out Billy, it's a Skoda!
Rally legend Billy Coleman drives diesel Skoda Fabia vRS at Stormont!

Rally legend Billy Coleman climbed behind the wheel of a Skoda Fabia vRS diesel rally car last Friday and raced around Belfast’s Parliament Buildings at Stormont, in what was a pre-Rally Ireland test day.

The venue will play host to the ceremonial start and will provide the opening stage of the four day event on Thursday 15 November, which will see the world’s top stars and teams arrive in the country for round 15 of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

The cross-border event marks the first time that Ireland has hosted a round of the WRC. Plans are already well in advance and last week’s test day saw rally cars go head to head at the specially designed track within the grounds of Stormont.

Randlestown’s John Mulholland kindly provided one of just 19 cars in action, giving rally legend Billy Coleman his first taste of diesel rally power. Coleman, a former Irish Tarmac and British Rally Champion, was full of praise for the NIIB Finance backed car, and despite the difficult wet conditions, he thoroughly enjoyed his ride.

“It was my first time driving a diesel rally car and my first time driving a front wheel drive car on a stage!” Coleman admitted. “It was a very different sensation of speed because it has a very low revving engine, but it was very good and predictable. It’s just a shame it was so wet, the conditions weren’t ideal but the car was impressive.”

Coleman even showed multiple British and Irish champion, Jimmy McRae, the delights of the car. McRae, who is father of 1995 World Champion, Colin McRae, was equally impressed by the power and torque of the 200bhp Skoda.

“I’ve driven a few road car Fabia vRS and I’ve always thought they would make a good clubman rally car,” McRae said. “I had a look around John’s car and it looks really well. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to drive it as the day was hectic, but maybe another time!”

The car’s owner, Randlestown based dealer, John Mulholland, is hoping to enter Ireland’s round of the World Championship in November with the diesel Skoda. However, he has other outings planned between now and November, including next month’s Armagh based Ulster Rally. The two day event starts on Friday 31 August and John will be aiming to repeat last year’s success which saw him finish second in class.

ENDS.

Photograph(s): Attached photograph (Skoda Stars) depicts John Mulholland (foreground), Jimmy McRae and Billy Coleman (background) with the diesel Skoda Fabia vRS. Action photograph depicts Billy Coleman in action outside Parliament Buildings. Images may be used free of charge.

Regards,

Jonathan MacDonald
MediaJAM Communications
Tel. +44 (0)7989 283055

[andy2407]

Where's the pics then?

[octav.ed]

Originally Posted by andy2407

Where's the pics then?

well spotted...

[GAFF]

Jonathan,

Nice to hear news on the Fabia, I've sent you a PM with my email address, if you email me the pics I'll get them up on the website

Btw will the Fabia be out for Rally Ireland ? A few of us might be heading to it, we might pop over and say hello

[octav.ed]

Originally Posted by andy2407

Where's the pics then?

check out the ireland wrc nov 2007 thread for the pics m8...

[Disgruntled]

Bought a car from them (Skoda Octavia) last July. pressured initially then very bad service with problems.
Then on Saturday got a statement from them demanding payment for Goods/services saying account was overdue. I have never been back near them since last year and certainly had nothing done. When I finally got to speak to Conor today I had to ask him to apologise when he told me the account should have been sent to another customer. If only he had had the grace to say he was sorry this happened I might have felt better. Will NEVER go near them again and advise others to beware. Once they sell you the car their whole attitude changes
(Very) Disgruntled!!

[octav.ed]

can't say i've ever dealt with the sales end of things. [ yet. ]
but i couldn't fault the servicing end... much..

[John Mulholland]

For immediate release: 04 September 2007

Randalstown's Mulholland secures top diesel result at Ulster Rally!

Randalstown's John Mulholland is celebrating after an excellent weekend in his NIIB Finance backed Skoda Fabia vRS TDi at the Armagh based PWT Ulster Rally. Navigated by Eamon Gorman, the crew secured third in class and was the first diesel car home at the event, which marked a round of both Ireland's and Britain's premier rally championships!

Amid tough competition, the 16 stage rally was fought over closed roads during day and night on Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September. There were plenty of thrills and spills throughout the field, but John and Eamon ensured they kept their John Mulholland Motors Fabia vRS between the hedges to grab a superb result when they arrived at the Armagh finish ramp.

"It was a very difficult weekend," John said after the event. "We always seemed to choose the wrong tyres. On one stage, we were sitting on the start line with slicks and then the heavens opened! It was really slippery and difficult to control so we're pleased to secure such a good result!"

Tyre choice was not the team's only difficulty during the weekend. The Shell Racing Diesel backed car had been fitted with brand new three-way adjustable suspension, and a heavy landing over a jump on stage two burst the dampers! The K.G. Motorsport service crew was forced to revert the car back to its original suspension, but it was also damaged during Saturday morning's stages!

The mechanics pounced on the car once again, allowing John and Eamon to ensure their Shell Racing Diesel and Hankook backed car reached the finish of the demanding event. It was certainly no easy task, but with an armful of points and more crystalware for the cabinet, it was another excellent result for the John Mulholland Motors team!

ENDS.

[GAFF]

Well done on the result John, I posted the details in the Motorsport Section (more people will see it , as here is mainly used for dealer reviews so may not interest a large portion of the site as there not in NI.....no offence )

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/motor...5/#post1015974

Btw Will you get an entry at Rally Ireland ?

[John Mulholland]

With ref to disgruntled ,we would recommend you seek professional help to address your personal problems, as you and I know ,that you were dealt with in a professional and honest manner from day 1.It is obvious from the outset you have difficulties in driving an automatic car,instead of admitting your shortfall,you would rather slate our good name,please take the time to read all the positive comments about John Mulholland Motors. 1,500 customers per annum cannot be wrong.

[octav.ed]

congratulations to john for finishing the wrc rally...

[pete904ni]

Went in last Monday to see about trading my 07 Astra SRi in for a used Octivia and firstly had to stand in the empty showroom for 5+ minutes while 3 members of staff sat in the corner talking about football.

FINALLY was approached by the Skoda Brand Manager, Maurice, to be told the car I was trading in "didn't exist" and only valued it on a much lower spec model - and really wasn't interested at all.

Called into the local Ford dealership in the way home and was offered exactly what I wanted for my trade in by a sales-man who knew what he was talking about and I got a great deal on a used Mondeo.


I must say I am dissappointed because an Octivia was my 1st choice of car, and I always prefere to deal with a franchised dealer and after reading all the positive comments on here about this garage I was hoping for a similar good experience.

[John Mulholland]

Dear Pete

As Sales Manager I was disappointed to read your comments. We pride ourselves on offering a prompt and professional service at all times to both new and existing customers.

I take exception to your comment that a group of salesmen ignored you for 5 minutes whilst they talked about football. As you were interested in a Skoda Octavia you were introduced to me by a member of the Hyundai staff.

On qualification you stated that you would not being dealing until end of Jan/beginning of Feb. You refused the invitation to test drive the product or to appoint another time for this.

To give you the best part exchange price we needed to see the vehicle involved and carry out the appropiate VCA and HPI checks and yet you did'nt have the car with you.

I'm sorry if your visit did'nt meet your expections but if I can be of any help in the future, please call me on 028 9447 3903.


Best regards


Maurice Blelock
Skoda Brand Manager

[pete904ni]

Originally Posted by John Mulholland

Dear Pete

As Sales Manager I was disappointed to read your comments. We pride ourselves on offering a prompt and professional service at all times to both new and existing customers.

I take exception to your comment that a group of salesmen ignored you for 5 minutes whilst they talked about football. As you were interested in a Skoda Octavia you were introduced to me by a member of the Hyundai staff.

After standing for 5 minutes in the Skoda showroom.

On qualification you stated that you would not being dealing until end of Jan/beginning of Feb. You refused the invitation to test drive the product or to appoint another time for this.

To give you the best part exchange price we needed to see the vehicle involved and carry out the appropiate VCA and HPI checks and yet you did'nt have the car with you.

I had the car with me, and refused a test drive on the bases that you refused to talk sense on the trade in. Needless to say however I got exactly the price needed on my trade in from another local dealers, and have since closed a deal.

I'm sorry if your visit did'nt meet your expections but if I can be of any help in the future, please call me on 028 9447 3903.


Best regards


Maurice Blelock
Skoda Brand Manager

I don't think I will be returning, thank you all the same.

[gaz69]

Hi Pete904ni,
I agree with you about the sale staff. I bought a car from them a few years ago and got very poor after sales treatment. The sale person had promised things with the car but after I picked the car up they wouldn't deliver their promises. Even when it was in writing, it was just one excuse after another. I know now never to take a car out of the garage unless first inspecting.
I'd buy another car from John Mullholland, but I'll never do business with the sale people. You should if you haven't already purchased seriously look at the Skoda Octavia, a great car.
I Do give credit where credit is due and cannot fault the service department. They're Brilliant!! Never had any issues with them and are always accomodating.

[John Mulholland]

John Mulholland Aftersales offers all our Briskoda Members a Free 25 point healthcheck and Carwash while you enjoy a cup of coffee in our new state of the art Service Center and Test Drive the new range of Skoda's