Paul Linders, Dealer Principal of Toyota dealership, Linders of Chapelizod, Dublin 20, has been appointed as the new President for SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) at their 60th AGM in Croke Park.

The family business, celebrating their 75th year in business this year, are expanding with the opening of a new Renault and Dacia dealership in Finglas, North Dublin this June. The new dealership will create 15 new jobs for the area and restore Renault to the North city.

Paul's Grandfather, Sonny Linders started a repair garage in Smithfield in 1938. In 1973 Linders became the first Toyota dealer in Ireland and in 2002 the dealership moved to Chapelizod.

At the Society's AGM, Mr. Linders said: "The Motor Industry in this country is in deep crisis. It is as hard as it has ever been. However, history has proved that those of us who work in it are resilient. We must remain conscious of our place in this economy. The Motor Industry directly collects over one eighth of the total tax take of this country, over 13% or €4.5bn. Add to this the indirect contribution through PAYE, PRSI from the 40,000 employees working in the industry. As a sector, we're one of the biggest contributors to the coffers of the state. We must ensure that our representatives in Government realise the impact of our success or failure on the health of the Exchequer. As Society Officers and indeed members, we must waste no opportunity to remind them."

Mr. Linders succeeds Alan Lyons.