Motor Distributors' began to handle Volkswagen in Ireland in 1950, when Volkswagen Beetles started arriving into Dublin packed in crates in what was termed 'completely knocked down' (CKD) form ready to be assembled. The vehicles were assembled in a former tram depot at 162 Shelbourne Road in Ballsbridge. As of 2021, this is the premises for Ballsbridge Motors who are a Mercedes-Benz dealer. The first Volkswagen ever built outside Germany was assembled here. This vehicle is now on display at the Volkswagen Museum in Wolfsburg. Irish-assembled Beetles rose from an output of 46 units in 1950 to 2,155 units in 1952. This necessitated a move in 1955 to a new factory premises on the Naas Road. Assembly of the Beetle continued there until 1977 when production of the car ceased in Europe. Volkswagen vehicle assembly continued in Dublin until the mid-1980s. During the same period, the Volkswagen Transporter van was also assembled at these premises. This premises remained as the headquarters for Motor Distributors Ltd.
