Driver's Republic Podcast Irish car launches, new Mazda CX-5 driven, SIMI awards & car chats!
Feb 28, 2026
Vicky Riley, BYD Ireland sales chief, on the Seal 6 super hybrid and BYD’s rapid market push. Zac Hollis, Polestar regional manager, on the Polestar 5, brand expansion and showroom plans. They cover Irish car launches, the new Mazda CX-5 drive, industry awards night and DoneDeal’s ChatGPT car search. Short, lively chat about models, service networks and tech ambitions.
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Polestar Showroom Hit By Roadworks Right After Opening
- Zac Hollis described Sandymount showroom setbacks: just after opening, roadworks outside reduced visibility and required signs reassuring customers business continued as usual.
- He framed the disruption as temporary and ultimately beneficial when finished due to improved road frontage.
Polestar Positions As Design led European Performance EV
- Polestar positions itself as a European design-led performance EV brand with a numbered model strategy and growing loyalty from early Polestar 2 buyers.
- Zac highlighted design, sustainability and performance as pillars driving repeat purchases and expansion.
Test Drive An EV Before Deciding
- Zac urged sceptical buyers to test-drive EVs to experience handling, software and over-the-air updates before deciding.
- He cited research showing 95% of EV buyers wouldn't go back, emphasising experiential conversion.