John Saunders, managing director of Fiat, Fiat Professional, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Honda Ireland at Gowan Auto, identifies his top picks for the coming year.

What was your most significant recent car launch?

Working with five brands, it’s a bit like being asked to pick a favourite child, but having been involved with Honda for many years, I have to say the Honda HR-V which we launched last month in Mondello Park.

The new HR-V is a stunning contemporary model at a great price and gives Honda the opportunity to regain the market share it deserves.

What model in your range is the most popular?

Our biggest passenger car seller this year was the current Fiat Panda, which will be replaced next year by the all-new Grande Panda, but I feel the new Fiat 600, which was just awarded Irish Compact SUV of the Year 2025, will be our top seller next year.

What new models are on the way in 2025?

The new Alfa Romeo Junior has just landed ahead of the 251 registration period.

Junior, the first fully electric model by the brand, is a stunning compact sports car which will give Irish car buyers the chance to experience the performance and passion of Alfa Romeo from only €34,995.

The new Fiat Grande Panda, which will be the first in a series of models in the Panda family concept, is a compact SUV and will expand our Fiat Range offering in the Irish market.

Other new models which will make an appearance towards the end of 2025 are the new Jeep Compass, a C-segment SUV and the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio, which is a premium D-segment SUV.

How would you describe your USP?

Each of our brands has their own individual unique selling points that cater to diverse customer needs. Fiat combines iconic Italian design with practicality, efficiency and la dolce vita.

Fiat Professional offers a versatile range of commercial vehicles designed for durability and business reliability with great technology on board.

Jeep represents adventure and capability, delivering legendary on- and off-road performance with a rugged yet refined appeal.

Alfa Romeo exudes Italian luxury and sportiness, blending cutting-edge technology with passionate driving dynamics.

Honda is renowned for its engineering excellence, reliability and innovation that can be summed up by its slogan, ‘The Power of Dreams’.

Together, these brands provide a comprehensive portfolio to meet a broad spectrum of driving needs.

Why has adoption of electric cars started to stall in Ireland?

This was caused by a number of factors, a bit of a perfect storm really, which came to a head just over a year ago.

These include perceived high prices, extreme pricing policies by some key players, resale value, public charging infrastructure, range anxiety and negative stories in the media.

This all happened when the car market reached a stage where all the early adopters had purchased an EV and average car buyers were ready to make the move but got spooked by all this confusion and negativity.

Now we are at a stage where new EV prices are coming down and there is price parity with ICE versions in a lot of cases. Also, from talking with our dealer network, the used EV market is starting to settle.  

So, I think things are improving. I feel our biggest obstacle is still people’s fear of change and the unknown. It is our job as an industry to bring people along the EV journey by offering honest, helpful information and training our dealer network to assess customers’ needs and ascertain if they are suitable for EV ownership.

When customers realise and appreciate how EV driving will benefit them personally, only then will they consider changing.

Can you predict a trend in the market for next year?

As well as an improved EV market, I foresee demand will move away from larger cars to more compact alternatives. From speaking with customers at events this year, this was one of the conversation topics that kept coming up.

How do you view competition from Chinese EV manufacturers?

There is some great product coming from that part of the world and these new entrants have to be taken seriously by established brands.

Saying that, our brands are our biggest strength.  With the styling, technology and other features of our range, we can match these new entrants, but it is our brands’ heritage that gives us an edge.

MODEL: Alfa Romeo Junior

PRICE: €34,995

WHY? Alfa Romeo is a special brand that gives you a unique feeling when you sit behind the wheel. Despite this being the first fully electric Alfa Romeo, the driving dynamics are still very much on point, and the starting price allows your average new car buyer a chance to ‘Join the Tribe’ as the Alfisti say.

Photo: John Saunders, Gowan Auto. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.