While he understood the need for such reviews, and the need to increase tax revenues for the State, he stressed that this should never be at the cost of business failures and job losses.
"There are huge dangers associated with this, and the Society is in a consultation process with the Government to find a solution that won't result in the havoc we experienced in 2008."
He said SIMI's focus on this is clear - the average rates of VRT and Road Tax have fallen by significant percentages but motorists have also paid increased carbon and fuel taxes over this period and the number of new cars sold over this same period has halved.
"In effect, this is where the biggest fall in State revenue has occurred and whatever solution is reached, it must not be one that damages car sales next year," he said.
He forecast that 'this whole process will not be an easy one for the Motor Industry and while we welcome direct consultation, we are effectively being asked to select our preferred method by which the sector can be burdened by more tax'.
The SIMI President said it is important for the industry 'to speak with one voice to deliver a solution that won't damage business and which can provide some long term stability to protect the industry and its employees'.
