The SIMI honoured some of the top performers in the Irish automotive sector at the Irish Motor Industry Awards held at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin in partnership with sponsor Bank of Ireland Finance. The event was attended by over 700 of the Motor Industry’s senior figures and guests.

The accolades adjudicated by an independent panel and announced by RTE Sports Commentator and TV presenter Marty Morrissey, honoured those companies that demonstrate excellence and best practice in their Industry over the last 12 months. Open to all sectors of the Irish Motor Industry eight award categories in total were presented by Alan Greene President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) and Pat Creed, Managing Director of Sponsors Bank of Ireland Finance.

Prior to the awards announcement, SIMI President Alan Greene addressed the audience remarking that the night was a celebration of the 41,000 people who contribute to the growth of the Irish economy. Last year the Industry collected €1.5 Billion from new and used car sales alone for the exchequer, while in excess of €5.5 Billion was generated by the Motorist.
The President praised the companies who were shortlisted in each of the Motor Industry award categories and underlined that the awards are a great way for SIMI to acknowledge the diverse and dynamic nature of our Industry as a whole.

Category Award Winners on the night were:

• Franchised Sales Operation of the Year -CAB Motor Company Ltd, Monahan Road, Ballintemple, Cork.
• Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year- Audi North Dublin, Exit 5, M50, North Road, Dublin 11. 
• Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year- Wicklow VTN, Glebe Business Park, Port Access Road, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow.
• Independent Sales Operation of the Year -Meridian Motors, Sleaty Road, Co. Carlow.
• Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year- Donnellan Auto Services, Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore Co. Galway.
• Bodyshop of the Year- Fitzpatrick's Garage Accident Repair Centre, Dublin Road, Kildare.
• Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year- CarTow.ie, Westpoint Offices, Collinstown Lane, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin.
• Motor Factor of the Year-John Delaney Motor Factors, Fair Green, Drogheda, Co. Louth