Merry Christmas from all the family at Peter Hanley Motors

It has been a busy, productive, and satisfying year here at Peter Hanley Motors and as we come to the end of 2023, we take time to enjoy some well-earned down time with the family. This also gives us a chance to pause and to reflect on all that we have to celebrate and to be thankful for.

We finished the year as Silver Award winners in the Irish Family Business Awards and while we appreciate the award and the accolade it’s the confirmation that we still maintain our local, family business ethos and despite our good fortune and business expansion, we have not become an anonymous corporate entity (yet!!). Dad, Peter is always delighted when we add to the trophy cabinet, but this particular award was extra special for him. At a sprightly 72 years of age, he is still a powerhouse and a driving force in the business that he started years ago. This year we expanded our staff team to 26 dedicated and skilled workers. Included in this was Senan, my nephew. It is great for us to see the next generation starting to work at PHM.

Alongside this growth in personnel, we made further expansions in the garage itself. The new valeting bay and the storerooms proved to be very useful and busy throughout 2023. We are looking forwards to the planning permission coming through for the new showrooms and a brand-new face lift to that area in 2024.

The car stock issues which plagued the used car industry following Covid, were never really a huge issue for us here in Longford. This increase in available secondhand cars continued throughout 2023, and where we previously had an average of 150 cars for the discerning car buyer, we now have an average of 170. Sales were good and we say an increase in hybrid vehicles sold and in the willingness of motorists to embrace hybrid driving. Our website underwent a facelift, and it is now easier for our customers to search for a car from the comfort to their own home. Of course, we saw many old faces in to upgrade this year and we welcomed many new customers and in particular, new young drivers as they embarked on their journey as drivers. It was a year where we continued our support for local charities and especially for the GAA. The Peter Hanley Motors Senior Football Championship Final is a special day out for us all.

All things considered, 2023 was a good year for us.
2024 looks set to be even better as we welcome baby number 3 into the world early in January!
So, with huge gratitude to all our customers, staff, suppliers, friends, and neighbours we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

David Hanley
Ballymahon, Christmas 2023