The SIMI Irish Motor Industry Awards in partnership with sponsor Bank of Ireland, took place recently at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin. Simon Delaney, master of ceremonies announced the accolades in front of over 700 senior Motor Industry figures, including the award to Denning’s Cars as Bodyshop of the Year.  

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General and John Feeney, Head of Property, Project & Asset-backed Finance of Bank of Ireland Finance presented the five 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 Category Award Winners were:  

• Bodyshop of the Year: Denning’s Cars Ltd, Dublin, 
• Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year: Hamill Rental Ltd, Co. Westmeath,
• Independent Retailer Operation of the Year: Autopoint Motor Group, Co. Kerry,  
• Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year: Toyota Naas, Co. Kildare, 
• Franchise Sales Operation of the Year: Western Motors Drogheda, Co. Louth, 

Before their announcement, SIMI President Paddy Magee commended the resilience and adaptability of the Motor Industry to trade during these challenging times and acknowledged the industry’s continue committed to the climate change targets. 

The motor industry continues to play a significant role in the Irish economy, collecting over 1 Billion euro for the Exchequer from car sales last year. When other motoring taxes, and the annual tax take from motorists are included it is close to 6 Billion euro.