Alan Lyons has been elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organization's 44th AGM, held at Croke Park this week.

The new President addressed delegates and spoke about the difficulties in the aftermarket sector, "There is a double blow when new car sales fall; not only does car sales activity reduce but there are fewer cars to service and repair. Allied to this is a flourishing black market, which always occurs when incomes fall and the Motor Industry is a prime example of that.

The sale of dubious car parts and in particular 'part worn tyres', has escalated as consumers make false short-term savings that will come back to haunt them in the longer run. There isn't a member garage out there who hasn't had a customer return after getting a botched service job from an unqualified mechanic using sub-standard, and in some cases unsafe, parts."

Mr. Lyons highlighted the need for members to get back to basics; "SIMI members have the highest qualified technicians in the Industry and undoubtedly we provide the highest quality of service." 

Backing up this assertion, the SIMI has launched SIMI APR (Autosure Professional Register) last week to raise awareness of the importance for motorists to have their vehicles serviced when they should be and only in garages which are fully qualified to do so.

Alan Lyons is from Auto Diesel Electric Limited, Dartmouth Industrial Centre, Kylemore Road, Dublin 10. He takes over as President from Gerry Caffery, the outgoing President..