The SIMI Irish Motor Industry Awards in partnership with sponsor Bank of Ireland, took place recently at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin. Oliver Callan, Master of ceremonies, announced the accolades in front of over 500 senior Motor Industry figures. 

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General and Derek McDermott, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance, presented seven award categories. The winners, adjudicated by an independent panel, were selected for their demonstration of an award-winning level of excellence and best practice over the last 12 months. 

Category Award Winners were: 
Bodyshop of the Year: Accident Repair Centre (ARC) Dublin 24

Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year: Wicklow VTN, Wicklow 

Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year: Derek Beahan Recovery, Dublin 

Independent Sales Operation of the year: Auto Assure Ltd, Dundalk Co. Louth

Independent Aftersales Operation of the year: Donnellan Auto Services, Co. Galway

Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year: Cavanaghs of Charleville Cork

Franchise Sales Operation of the Year: Kearys Motor Group Cork 

Before their announcement, SIMI President Gillian Fanning, the first female President in the Society’s 100 year history, addressed the audience acknowledging the sense of occasion, which was the first SIMI in-person event in over two years and the start of the Society’s centenary celebrations.  

Gillian remarked on the unprecedented times that the Industry is facing, a global pandemic, a climate crisis, Brexit, rising inflation, global supply issues and the recent outbreak of war. The crystallisation of all these factors has made business extremely difficult over the past few years and this is unlikely to change in the near future. She acknowledged the efforts of the Industry at the height of the pandemic in adapting their businesses and helping to keep the country moving. 

The President praised the companies who were shortlisted for each of the SIMI Motor Industry Award categories.

Gilliam emphasised that the Climate Crisis is the most urgent immediate challenge facing the World and the need for action is now.  The Society’s recently launched its independent Climate Change report, outlining an approach to decarbonisation, the policies required and how the Government can work alongside the industry to create real change and achieve a cleaner national fleet.

The President stressed the importance of diversity within the sector, particularly in relation to the male/female employee ratio. While Women make up a huge proportion of our customer base, they are significantly under-represented in the industry. She encouraged members to promote diversity and to highlight the career opportunities available, particularly with the rapid transition to Electric Vehicles. She also remarked on the need for training and upskilling technicians, along with the critical and active promotion of Motor Industry Apprenticeships.

In closing, the President remarked, 2022 is a very special year for The Society of the Irish Motor Industry, as it’s our Centenary year and that there would be no Society without its members, thanking them for their support.