On the 16th of  February 2023 the Society's Irish Motor Industry Awards in partnership with sponsor Bank of Ireland, took place. Aidan Tierney, celebrity impressionist, comedian and master of ceremonies announced the accolades in front of over 600 senior Motor Industry figures. Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General and Derek Kavanagh, Head of Motor Franchise Sales of Bank of Ireland Finance presented seven award categories in total.

The award winners, adjudicated by an independent panel, operate across all sectors of the Irish Motor Industry. Companies selected demonstrated an award-winning level of excellence and best practice over the last 12 months.

​​​​​​​The Society warmly welcomed the establishment of the Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, (ZEVI) and look forward to working with ZEVI and SEAI on the EV project in the years ahead. The ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year regional awards were also announced on the night. These awards recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sale of electric vehicles (EV) in Ireland.

We would like to thank Bank of Ireland the event sponsors for their continued support

A special thanks to our Sponsor

Derek Kavanagh, Head of Motor Franchise Sales of Bank of Ireland Finance commented  “Bank of Ireland Finance are delighted to continue its sponsorship of the Irish Motor Industry Awards. The awards are important to us as they recognise the hard work, the dedication, professionalism, and excellence that is delivered day in day out by all within the industry. They recognise high standards and acknowledge the commitment to consistently deliver excellence in customer service and satisfaction to all motoring customers. As the industry continues its journey to work towards the ambitious targets as set out in the Climate Action Plan, the provision of finance and suitable products in supporting customers with this transition to greener motoring will be essential and critical to the success. Supporting the industry and the Climate Action Plan remains a key part of our strategy at Bank of Ireland Finance and we very much look forward to continuing to work with our existing and new brands throughout 2023 and beyond.”

2023 Winners

Bodyshop of the Year Accident Repair Centre

(L-R) Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Winner Owen Cullen Accident Repair Centre, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

 Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year Rathcoole Commercial

(L-R) Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Winner Paul Cooke Rathcoole Commercial, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year James Foy Auto Service

(L-R) Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Winner James and Brian Foy, James Foy Auto Service, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

Independent Sales Operation of the Year AutoXpress 

(L-R) Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Winner Ger Cremins and Eddie Adomiaitis AutoXpress, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President

Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year Auto Assure 

(L-R) Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Winner Eoin McGuinness, Auto Assure Ltd, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year Blackstone Motors

(L-R) Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President, Winner Noel Stewart and Donal Waters Blackstone Motors, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI.

ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Regional Award Winners

ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Regional Awards- Ulster Winner McGinley Motors, Donegal

(L-R) Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President, Winner Noel McCormick McGinley Motors Donegal, Aoife O'Grady Head of ZEVI and Declan Meally Director of Business Public Sector and Transport at SEAI

ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Regional Award-Connacht Winner JJ Burke Car Sales, Mayo

(L-R)Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President, Winner Pauline Burke JJ Burke Car Sales Mayo, Aoife O'Grady Head of ZEVI and Declan Meally Director of Business Public Sector and Transport at SEAI

ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Regional Award-Leinster Winner Joe Mallon Motors, Kildare

(L-R) Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President, Winner Anthony, Eithne and Philip Mallon of Joe Mallon Motors Kildare, Aoife O'Grady Head of ZEVI and Declan Meally Director of Business Public Sector and Transport at SEAI