The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has announced the winners of its annual awards at a ceremony held in the Clayton Hotel in Dublin which was attended by some 700 senior industry figures. 

The awards were once again made in partnership with Bank of Ireland Finance, with Oliver Callan the MC of the event and Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General and Derek McDermott, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance making the presentations in eight award categories which were adjudicated by an independent panel.

A special recognition award, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, was presented by Ms Moyagh Murdock CEO of the RSA to Professor Denis Cusack of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety in recognition of his work and commitment to road safety.

Category Award Winners were:

Bodyshop of the Year- Accident Repair Centre (ARC) Dublin 24

Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year- Rathcoole Commercials VTC Ltd Co. Dublin

Franchised Sales Operation of the Year - Hutton and Meade Ltd, Dublin 15

Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year- Colm Quinn BMW Galway, Galway

Independent Sales Operation of the Year- Green Auto Service, Dublin 18

Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year- Donnellan Auto Services, Co. Galway

Motor Factor of the Year- Parts for Cars, Dublin 6 www.partsforcars.ie

Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year- Hamill’s Rentals Ltd, Co. Westmeath

At the event SIMI President Gabriel Keane addressed the audience and remarked how proud he was of the Irish Motor Industry and the significant contribution motor businesses make to the country. He praised the companies who were shortlisted for each of the categories. He then touched on how the industry has to play a critical role in any climate change solution and called on the Industry to be environmental activists, while at the same time encouraging customers to make the transition from older higher emission cars to lower CO2 be it petrol, diesel or hybrid and indeed zero CO2 emission cars.

In closing, the President remarked on the Industry's goal of renewing the national car fleet, which will progress the Irish car fleet moving towards a cleaner environment. He spoke on the importance of unity and a strong industry voice that will deliver a clear message to the future government on industry’s goals.