Picture taken outside of Barlo Engineering with Michael Curran, Tony Johnson, Pat Fennessy, Aidan Barlow, Anthony O’ Flynn, Tony Carroll, Sean Barlow, Ned White and Con Barlow.
The business flourished consistently throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In 1978, Barlo Farm Machinery, as it was now named, relocated its Clonmel premises to a state of the art facility, opened by Mr. Jim Gibbons, the Minister for Agriculture at the time. Serving the farming community with immense pride, Barlo Farm Machinery operated from five branches in Clonmel, Kilkenny, Thurles, Tipperary Town, and Dungarvan until the early 2000s.
In 1989, a new generation of the Barlow family emerged, and Barlo Motors took a significant step by venturing into the automotive industry. The company secured the position of the main Ford dealer for South Tipperary, a move that resonated deeply with people as the ‘Barlo’ name held considerable significance. This expansion was viewed as a positive development for the region, bringing Barlo Motors into the forefront of selling Ford cars and commercial vehicles. Fast forward to 1993, we initiated a transformative shift by acquiring the Nissan brand, marking our inaugural entry into the automotive trade in Kilkenny and reshaping the landscape of our business with new features.
Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has always been paramount. Understanding how information is collected and used on our platforms is crucial for enhancing user experience and maintaining trust.
The year 2002 brought a profound sense of sorrow to our company with the passing of Dealer Principal Ray Barlow, who passed away to a brief illness. Ray had been an integral part of our organisation, contributing not only his expertise but also a deep sense of dedication and passion to the automotive industry.
The company re-grouped where Alan and Ivan Barlow took to the helm to guide the company through this challenging period. Today, their leadership remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the organisation, exemplifying a dedication to maintaining the company’s legacy of excellence in the automotive industry. In 2014 a significant opportunity for expansion in Clonmel came by us successfully acquiring our Hyundai dealership. This move not only marked a pivotal moment in our company’s growth but also opened up new avenues for us to strengthen our presence in the region.
Over the course of the past 80 years in the business realm, we have experienced various trials and challenges, with a notable milestone being the surge in car sales in 2000 coinciding with the introduction of the new ‘00 plate. Despite navigating the economic downturn in 2009 and successfully pivoting our operations during a global pandemic, we have managed to maintain a consistent staff size throughout these adversities. As a company, we take pride in the fact that our workforce has not only weathered these challenges but has also continued to grow alongside us
Our sales, service, and technical departments boast individuals who have been part of our team for over 25 years, exemplifying their dedication to our company and family business, and reciprocating our commitment to their loyalty. The guiding principle and ethos at Barlo Motor Group has been to “Treat your customer as you would like to be treated yourself.” This enduring motto has proven its resilience over time, as evidenced by our continued interactions with the grandchildren of customers who first engaged with us in the 1940s.
In April 2025, Barlo Motor Group proudly expanded its Kilkenny dealership by adding the Suzuki brand to its lineup. This exciting development marks another milestone in our journey, allowing us to offer an even wider range of vehicles to our valued customers. With Suzuki’s reputation for reliability, innovation, and efficiency, this addition complements our existing offerings and reinforces our commitment to providing quality automotive solutions for every driver.
The Barlow Family are very proud of its heritage over the last 80 years and look forward to serving both existing and future customers into the future. We encourage all our customers to review their experiences with us, ensuring we continually meet their expectations.
Additionally, we prioritise the security of our customers' data, using it to enhance the safety and integrity of our services.
Our Vehicles Explore our extensive range of vehicles from leading brands such as Ford, Nissan, Suzuki and Hyundai. Whether you’re looking for a family car, a robust SUV, or an eco-friendly option, Barlo Motor Group offers a diverse selection to meet your needs.
Community Involvement
Barlo Motor Group is deeply committed to supporting the local communities in Tipperary and Kilkenny. Through various initiatives and partnerships, we strive to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of our neighbours.
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