Mark Woods, Chief Supply Chain Officer of The Maxol Group, was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s AGM, held recently in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare. 

Speaking at the event, the newly appointed President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, said,  “I am deeply honoured to accept the position of President of SIMI. To be given the opportunity to represent this industry, and this Society, is something I value enormously." 

The President remarked on the importance of industry diversity and collaboration, emphasising the Society's commitment to supporting members from different sectors. He also highlighted the challenges facing the industry, including climate change objectives and promoting road safety.

Additionally, the President called for a coordinated national strategy to support the adoption of electric vehicles and to embrace biofuels, like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), particularly in the heavy vehicle sector, which will play an important role in reducing emissions. 

Mark Woods, SIMI President, stated, “There needs to be a coordinated national strategy- one that combines infrastructure, policy reform, and cultural change. The existing incentives for Battery Electric Vehicles have been vital in shifting behaviour and must be maintained, while the diesel rebate scheme for commercial vehicles should be extended to cover HVO. Without that investment now, the cost to the State—both financial and environmental—will only grow.”

Despite the challenges facing the Motor Industry, the President reaffirmed the Industry’s commitment to working with the government to achieve climate change objectives for a sustainable future.