SIMI Awards Celebrate Excellence in Irish Motor Industry

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently hosted the Irish Motor Industry Awards in partnership with Bank of Ireland at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin. 

Simon Delaney, master of ceremonies, revealed the winners in front of over 700 senior figures in the Motor Industry, with awards presented by Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, and Derek Kavanagh, Head of Motor Finance, Bank of Ireland.

The independent panel adjudicated the winners in six award categories that recognized excellence and best practices in the Irish Motor Industry over the past year. This year, a special recognition award was also presented.

- Bodyshop Operation of the Year: Fitzpatrick’s Accident Repair Centre, Kildare
- Independent Sales Operation of the Year: Peter Hanley Motors Ltd, Longford
- Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year: Rathcoole Commercials Ltd, Dublin
- Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year: Cartow.ie, Dublin
- Franchise Sales Operation of the Year: Lexus Galway
- Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year: Newmarket Motors Ltd, Cork
- Special recognition award: Tom Murphy, of Tom Murphy Car Sales Ltd Waterford

SIMI President Jonathan Meade expressed his pride in the Motor Industry, which remains resilient, forward-thinking, and committed to serving customers, communities, and the country. 

Additionally, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) announced regional winners for the ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year awards, honoring excellence in promoting and selling electric vehicles in Ireland. 

- Connolly’s Volvo Cars Galway for Connaught 
- Doyle’s Garage Courtown for Leinster 
- BYD Cork for Munster 
- Cavan Autoparc Ltd for Ulster

Mr. Meade stated, “With the incentives in place over the last few years, we are on track to achieve the 2025 interim target of 175,000 electric cars. This proves incentives do work and highlights the importance of maintaining supports for businesses and consumers to encourage EV sales. Of equal importance is the investment in charging infrastructure. We need a robust, fast, and reliable charging network to ensure a seamless EV experience.”

Derek Kavanagh, Head of Motor Finance, Bank of Ireland “Bank of Ireland are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the SIMI Irish Motor Industry Awards. The awards recognise the hard work, dedication and professionalism that is delivered by staff within the Motor Industry. As customer expectations continue to evolve with the transition to electric vehicles, we are committed to playing a key role in assisting them on this journey. Supporting the motor industry remains a key part of our strategy and we very much look forward to working closely with our 16 Franchise Partners, their dealers, and customers”.

Presented by Aoife O'Grady Head of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and Nikoline Egerod Leth, Programme Executive – Electric Vehicles, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).