SIMI announces winners of Motor Industry Awards

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry, in partnership with sponsor Bank of Ireland, took place yesterday at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin with Simon Delaney, Master of Ceremonies announcing the accolades in front of over 700 senior motor industry figures, writes Trish Whelan. 

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. 

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 Lough.  

Before their announcement, SIMI President Paddy Magee commented the resilience and adaptability of the Motor Industry to trade during these challenging times and acknowledged the industry’s continued commitment to the climate change targets. The Motor Industry plays 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. 

Mr Magee remarked: “Manufacturers and retailers have worked diligently to grow the EV market, with over 70 different new electric vehicles models now available, demonstrating the dedication to consumers and the investment by the industry in the electric vehicle transition. While we accept that incentives cannot continue indefinitely, it is still too premature to start phasing out supports. The Government has been generous in its supports of EVs to date; it is simply imperative that this Government commitment is maintained as we move to the next cohort of potential EV buyers.” 

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) announced the winners of the ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year regional awards which are: Fitzpatrick’s Garage Kildare Ltd in Kildare for Leinster, Fermoy Nissan in Cork for Munster, Western Motors Ltd in Galway for Connaught, Connolly’s Volkswagen Letterkenny for Ulster. 

John Feeney of Finance Bank of Ireland said the bank are delighted to partner with SIMI for the Irish Motor Industry Awards and the event is ‘a small representation of our strong and steady backing for the motor finance business’. He said the bank is proud of their partnership with 23 motor brands and are committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles. 

SIMI President Paddy Magee (pictured below) praised all the companies who were shortlisted for each of the SIMI Motor Industry Award categories. 

Pictured above at yesterday’s ceremony were (L-R): Paddy Magee, President of SIMI; John Feeney, Bank of Ireland with Liam Gillespie and Robbie Matthews of Western Motors Drogheda, winners of the Award for Franchised Sales Operation of the Year 2024; Brian Cooke, Director General of SIMI.

 

 

Car registrations surge for 2023

Toyota is top brand in 2023: New Prius coming this month.

Car registrations for the first half of the year are almost 19pc up on the same period last year, writes Brian Byrne. According to figures for June issued by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, commercial vehicle sales are also up, by a third year to date.

Fully electric cars also show a large increase this year, the 14,307 registered in the six months representing a 69pc increase compared to the first six months of 2022.

SIMI Director General Brian Cooke attributes some of the increase to improved new vehicle supply and the fulfilment of orders placed in 2022. He also said that Government supports for EVs should be maintained in order to build on the momentum clearly evident in the electric vehicle market. Electric cars now represent 18.46pc of the overall market.

The top selling car brands year to date are Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Skoda and Kia. In EVs, the top brands are Volkswagen, Tesla, Hyundai, Kia and BMW. 

Renault Ireland boss is new President of SIMI

Paddy Magee, Country Operations Director of Renault Group Ireland, was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s AGM, writes Brian Byrne. 

Mr Magee, who has worked for 25 years in the Irish motor industry, 20 of these with Renault, said his focus will be on continuing the work already undertaken in helping to position the Motor Industry as a leader and enabler of the green transition.

"The Motor Industry remains fully committed to working with Government to help achieve their Climate Action Targets," he said. "The industry is playing its part in the electrification process, and we need to build on the momentum already in the marketplace, with the right economic and taxation environment to support the uptake of new zero and low emissions vehicles.”

He called for no VRT/VAT increases in the upcoming Budget and wants the BIK’s recent reliefs extended for the foreseeable future. "Company vehicles will play a key role in helping to escalate the transition of electrification of the fleet, by increasing the number of new vehicles, we can also help supply and secure the used EVs market in the future.” 

Motor Industry encourages women to get involved

The historic under-representation of women in the Irish motor industry is changing, President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Antonia Hendron told a recent gathering of women in the industry, writes Trish Whelan. The event was the 8th annual Women@SIMI in conjunction with sponsor Bank of Ireland, held in the Conrad Hotel Dublin.

Over 170 professional women from a variety of different sectors within the industry heard experiences and advice from Ms Hendron, guest speaker Louise Grubb of Trivium Vet and serial life science entrepreneur, and guest speaker Norah Casey, journalist, entrepreneur, and human rights campaigner. The event was compered by broadcaster Mary Kennedy.

Louise Grubb urged her audience to be innovative, encouraging of their team, and not to be afraid to take opportunity. Norah Casey spoke of finding internal resilience to move forward and being prepared to create something new and different. Derek McDermott, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance, said good strides are being made for women in both the motor and banking industries, but there is still a long way to go in the whole area of gender diversity and in ensuring that there are strong opportunities for women across both.

Pictured are Louise Grubb, Mary Kennedy, and Norah Casey. 

Government asked to continue EV supports, 'at key time of growth'

Bodyshop of the Year: Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland Finance, Winner Owen Cullen Accident Repair Centre, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

A call for the Government to continue electric vehicle grant supports out to 2025 was made at last week's announcement of the SIMI Motor Industry Awards 2023, writes Brian Byrne.

Deputy President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Paddy Magee also asked that consideration be given to halting the reduction of Benefit in Kind reliefs for a few more years. He said premature reduction of supports could risk stalling sales at 'a key time of growth' in the EV market. He said that changing consumer behaviour to accept a new vehicle technology in such a short period of time is unprecedented, and this requires incentives, supports and education.

"A strong new EV car market will also create an active used EV market, providing the opportunity for a greater cohort of motorists to go electric," he added, adding that the industry recognises that supports cannot remain in place indefinitely.

The Awards in seven categories were presented on the evening by Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General and Derek Kavanagh, Head of Motor Franchise Sales of Bank of Ireland Finance. The winners were Bodyshop of the Year: Accident Repair Centre (ARC); Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year: Rathcoole Commercial; Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year: James Foy Auto Services; Independent Sales Operation of the year: AutoXpress; Independent Aftersales Operation of the year: AutoAssure; Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year: Blackstone Motors; and Franchise Sales Operation of the Year: MSL Cork.

Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year: Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland Finance, Winner Paul Cooke Rathcoole Commercial, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year: Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland Finance, 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: Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland Finance, Winner Ger Cremins and Eddie Adomiaitis AutoXpress, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year: Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland Finance, Winner Eoin McGuinness Auto Assure Ltd, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year: Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland Finance, Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President, Winner Noel Stewart and Donal Waters Blackstone Motors, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI.

Franchise Sales Operation of the Year: Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland Finance, Winner Dermot O'Hara MSL Cork, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI and Paddy Magee SIMI Deputy President.

The Society welcomed the establishment of the Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland  (ZEVI) organisation, whose Dealership of the Year regional awards, aimed at rewarding excellence in the promotion and sale of electric vehicles (EV) in Ireland. The winners were Kearys BMW & Mini Cork (Munster); Joe Mallon Motors Kildare (Leinster); JJ Burke Car Sales Mayo (Connacht); and McGinley Motors Donegal (Ulster). (ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Kearys BMW & Mini Cork (Munster) were unavailable on the night to collect their award.)

ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Ulster Winner: 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 Connacht Winner: 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 Leinster Winner: 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.

October car sales down

With October registrations down by 2.1pc on last year, the overall new car market is only 0.6pc ahead of 2021 year to date, writes Brian Byrne.

According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, that leaves the sales YTD down 10.4pc compared to pre-Covid.

Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 14.0pc (1,448) compared to October last year (1,270) and year to date are down 18.8pc (22,452). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are down 11.4pc (187) in comparison to October 2021 (211). Year to date HGV's are down 6.9pc (2,303).

Used car imports for October (3,336) have seen a decrease of 24.2pc on October 2021 (4,401). Year to date imports are down 26.6pc (40,753) on 2021 (55,539).

For the month of October 741 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 519 in October 2021. So far this year 15,241 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 8,338 on the same period 2021, an increase of 82.8pc. 

Electric Vehicle, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with a combined market share now of 40.8pc. Petrol continues to remain dominant with 30.21pc, Diesel accounts for 26.86pc, Hybrid 19.37pc, Electric 14.65pc and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 6.78pc.

The top selling car models YTD are Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Corolla, Kia Sportage, Toyota C-HR, and Volkswagen ID.4. 

2020 saw 25pc drop in new car registrations

Due to numerous Covid-19 lockdowns throughout the past year and uncertainty over Brexit, new car registrations for 2020 finished at just 88,324 units which is a 25pc drop on 2019 (117,109), writes Trish Whelan.

Statistics released from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) also show New Light Commercial Vehicle (LDV) registrations in 2020 saw a decrease of 14.2pc (21,732) compared to 2019 (25,336) while New Heavy Commercial Vehicle registrations (HGV) saw a decrease of 22.3pc (2,066) in comparison to 2019 (2,659). Imported Used Cars saw 79,969 registrations in 2020, a decrease of 29.8pc on 2019 (113,926). Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are on the increase with 4,013 new vehicles registered last year in comparison to 3,444 in 2019.

Other stats of note show a changing market place in 2020. Diesel accounted for 43.29pc; petrol 36.91pc, hybrid 11.86pc, electric 4.54pc and Plug-In Hybrid 2.78pc. Diesel remains the most popular engine type while hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrids all gained market share last year.

Some 59.8pc of customers opted for manual transmissions in their new cars so they continue to be more popular despite a decline in market share with automatic transmissions (40.09pc) continuing to gain in popularity.

As to body styles, the hatchback was Ireland’s top selling car body type of 2020 with grey the top selling colour as it has been for the past five years.

The top selling car brands 2020 were: 1. Volkswagen, 2. Toyota, 3. Hyundai, 4 Skoda, 5. Ford. The top car models last year were 1. Toyota Corolla, 2. Hyundai Tucson, 3. Volkswagen Tiguan, 4. Ford Focus, and 5. Hyundai Kona. The top selling car 2020 was the Toyota Corolla (the hybrid saloon version is pictured above).

 

New car registrations down 63pc for March

Toyota Corolla Hybrid Saloon

New car registrations for March were down 63pc (6,174) when compared to March 2019 (16,687) as Covid-19 put the breaks on sales, writes Trish Whelan. Registrations year to date are also down 20.5pc (51,015) on the same period last year (64,126).

Sales of Light Commercial vehicles (LCVs) are down 52.9pc (1,434) compared to March last year (3,044) and so far this year are down 15.2pc (9,378). 

In contrast, Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are up 17.67 (313) when compared to March 2019 (266 and year to date are up 12.59pc (993).

Electric vehicle sales year to date (1,667) show a 16.17pc increase on last year (1,435). EVs for March this year (379) are up 21.86pc on 2019 sales (311). 

Fewer Irish people are buying used car imports with sales for March (4,656) have seen a decrease of 48.1pc on March last year (8,970). Year to date, imports are down 34.9pc (17,471) on 2019 (26,832).

The five top selling car brands for 2020 were: 1. Toyota, 2. Volkswagen, 3. Hyundai, 4. Skoda, and 5. Ford. 

The five top car models year to date were 1. Toyota Corolla, 2. Hyundai Tucson, 3. Volkswagen Tiguan, 4. Ford Focus and 5. Skoda Octavia. 

The top selling car for March 2020 was the Toyota Corolla.

Market share by engine type 2020 shows diesel at 43.86pc, petrol 38.42pc, Hybrid 12.17pc, electric 3.27pc and Plug-In Hybrid at 2.02pc. 

Commenting, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said: “The health of our nation is the overriding priority. The Motor Industry will assist the State in any way we can during this pandemic. While showrooms, service and other activities within the Industry are closed, members are available to assist in emergency call-out or delivery services.” He added that this will be vital in keeping essential and emergency services moving.

“The Motor Industry and its employees, like so many industries, is feeling the devastating impact of COVID-19. Even before the crisis commenced, the new car market was in decline, and this fall has accelerated rapidly in the last fortnight with new car activity down nearly two-thirds on last year. Whatever the duration of this crisis, once we emerge, we will need to see decisive and ambitious action from Government to protect the nearly 50,000 jobs in our sector.”

'Target dumped used imports' in Budget, motor industry plea

Brian Cooke, Director General of SIMI, with Paddy Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Group Ireland.

The Irish motor industry is seeking a no change in motor taxes scenario in the upcoming budget, along with measures to deal with the massive expansion of used imports, writes Brian Byrne. Otherwise there’s a risk to 10,000 jobs in the industry, a potential direct revenue loss to the Exchequer of €231m, and a crash of new car sales to as low as 70,000 next year.

These were stark figures today in a market presentation by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, which warns that ‘the mistakes of 2008 must be avoided’ and says the industry is now at its most vulnerable since the crash of 2008.

Economist Jim Power detailed the national economic background to the Budget submission recently submitted by SIMI on behalf of its members. While there has been generally a strong recovery in the economy, he suggests this has been exaggerated. He pointed to sterling’s weakness since Brexit, a motor market which has declined for the last three years and the 'fragility' of consumer confidence.

A new car market under pressure and a continuing strong growth in used imports are the main concerns. With the potential for serious financial and environmental outcomes.

“We're not looking for handouts in this Budget,” Paddy Magee of Renault Ireland said on behalf of the distributors and dealer networks. “We’re only looking for help in dealing with climate change. On one hand we're doing what we can to sell clean new cars. But on the other, there are no restrictions on used diesel cars, which don't meet current standards, being dumped here from the UK. Whatever we do on the new car side is being undermined by the imports.”

Director General of SIMI Brian Cooke noted that 400,000 used cars had been imported to the Irish market over the past three and a half years. “If a quarter of those had been substituted by new car sales, it would have meant an extra €650m in the state's coffers.”

He criticised the 'open door' policy on used imports, with no regulations in place to refuse registration of an import, which could be a 'write-off' in the UK or be producing emissions no longer acceptable in its home market.

Jim Power noted how the current situation means a big difference for Government revenues, with an average of €10,174 being the tax take on a new car, versus €3,493 for the typical imported used one. “The cost to the Exchequer is €66m for every 10,000 used cars imported that displace new car sales,” he said.

The motor industry wants the state to introduce 'reasonable checks' on imports. They also call for non-recognition of a UK MOT on passenger cars of four years old and over, or one year in the case of commercial vehicles.

The industry wants the diesel CO2 levy introduced last year to be replaced with a charge on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions instead. This would address the current anomaly where a new car with relatively very low NOx emissions is taxed more than an equivalent used import with high emissions which cause significant health and environmental issues.

The meeting heard that the annual car market has ‘stabilised’ at around 220,000 over recent years, but the proportion of imports is rising inexorably. From just 47,790 units five years ago, the figures are trending to hit 115,000 in 2020, with new car sales for that year shrinking to 105,000.

In a comment on the growth of electric vehicles in the Irish market 'from an extraordinarily low base', Jim Power said the targets for EVs in the recent Government Climate plan are ‘absolute pie in the sky’, and there is no possibility of achieving the numbers in the forseeable future. “But the objective is a good idea, so we should stick with it,” he added.

Looking at the prospects depending on different kinds of Brexit scenario, Jim Power suggested that a no-deal split could see new car sales going as low as 70,000 next year, if there are also VRT increases in the Budget.

“It's a simple message,” Brian Cooke said bluntly. “It's a stark message. We're struggling. We need fair play.”

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New vehicle sales up for May but down overall

New Toyota Corolla

The total new car registrations for the month of May are up 4.7pc (6,341) when compared with May 2018 (6,055), writes Trish Whelan. But new car registrations year to date are down 7.6pc (79,343) on the same period last year (85,868).

New Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations are also up, 5.2pc (1,726) on May 2018 (1,641) with registrations year to date down 8.4pc (14,617). While New Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HGV) increased 31.3pc (298) in comparison to May 2018 (227) and year to date are also up 7.7pc (1,491).

Imported Used Cars for May increased 4.1pc (9,346) on the same month last year (8,978) while year to date imports are 3pc (45,062) ahead of 2018 (43,739).

New electric car sales continue grow month on month with a total of 1,902 EV cars registered so far this year, surpassing the total number of EVs registered for 2018 (1,233).

Commenting on the registrations figures, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said: “Sales overall year to date have been disappointing with both business and consumer Brexit related uncertainty contributing to dampened demand for new vehicles. As we move into June, the Industry is now focused on preparations for the start of the July 192 registration period. This will see a variety of strong offers to consumers across all brands, and in this environment, consumers will have a wide choice of cars to choose from at a really competitive price.”

The 5 top selling car brands year to date are: 1. Volkswagen, 2. Toyota, 3. Hyundai, 4. Ford, 5. Skoda.

The 5 top car models year to date are 1. Nissan Qashqai, 2. Hyundai Tucson, 3. Toyota Corolla, 4. Volkswagen Tiguan, 5. Skoda Octavia.

The top selling car for May 2019 was the Toyota Corolla (pictured above).

March new car registration down

Hyundai Tucson

The total new car registrations for the month of March are down 5.6 per cent (16,738) when compared with March 2018 (17,726), writes Trish Whelan. New car registrations year to date are down 10.7 per cent (64,098) on the same period last year (71,760).

New Light Commercial Vehicle registrations are down 2.2 per cent (3,067) on March 2018 (3,137) and year to date are down 10.7 per cent (11,182). While New Heavy Commercial Vehicles saw a slight decline of 1.5 per cent (267) in comparison to March 2018 (271) and year to date are down 3.3 per cent (886).

On the other hand, imported used cars increased by 9.98 per cent (8,970) on March last year (8,156) and year to date are 2.74 per cent (26,832) ahead of 2018 (26,117).

New electric vehicle registrations continue to grow with 1,437 EV cars registered so far this year. This has surpassed the total number of EVs registered for the whole of 2018 (1,233).

Commenting, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General Designate, said: “While new car sales are being dampened by Brexit uncertainty, the increase in VRT on new cars for 2019, arising from the fact that no allowance was made for the first step in the move to the new WLTP emissions testing regime, has also had a negative impact. Ireland is the only country in the EU that has sought to charge consumers higher registration taxes due to the improved emissions testing regime.”

He added: “While the VRT increases in the first phase of the transition to the WLTP test figures only saw an average increase of 5 per cent in the C02 values, the second phase next year will see these increasing by a further 21 per cent. All other Member States have followed the EU Commission view that consumers should not be faced with increased taxation due to the improved emissions testing regime.”

He said SIMI had warned that not adjusting for such large increases in C02 values will burden the consumer, damage new car sales and will actually reduce State revenues. The decrease in new cars sales in Q1 has meant that the State’s tax revenues from new cars have fallen by more than €60 million so far this year, and this shortfall will increase as the year progresses.

Current low volumes in the new car market have largely resulted from lower used car values for consumers’ trade-ins due to the huge volume of used car imports from the UK due to the Brexit-driven Sterling exchange rate. 

To add a tax increase that only applies to new cars can only lead to the current result, he added.

SIMI is urging the Government to take account of the impact of increasing taxes, not just on new car sales but also on employment in the Motor Industry across the country, and on the environment when recasting VRT and other motor related taxes in 2020. 

The 5 top selling car brands year to date are: 1. Volkswagen, 2. Hyundai, 3. Toyota, 4. Ford, 5. Skoda.

The 5 top car models year to date are: 1. Hyundai Tucson, 2. Nissan Qashqai, 3. Skoda Octavia, 4. VW Tiguan, 5. Ford Focus.

The top selling car in March 2019 is the Toyota Corolla. 

Drop in new car sales: sales of used imports up

Opel Corsa

There was a drop in new car sales for the month of June while sales of used imports were up, writes Trish Whelan. 

The total new car registrations for June were down 10.4pc (1,255) compared to the same month last year (1,400). Registrations year-to-date (87,151) are 4.5pc down on the same period last year (91,215).

There’s been a slight increase in New Light Commercial Vehicle registrations (LCVs) of 2.06pc (694) on June last year (680) and year-to-date are up 5.7pc (16,633).

New Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HGVs) are up 110pc for the month of June (185) compared to the same month last year (88) and are down 1.1pc (1,571) year-to-date.

Imported Used Cars sales were up 11.5pc for June 2018 (8,142) over June 2017 (7,304) while year-to-date are 12.8pc (51,879) ahead of 2017 (46,002).

Alan Nolan

Commenting on the figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), SIMI Director General, Alan Nolan, said “While June has seen a decline in new car registrations of 10.4pc, registrations in this month are relatively small numbers as many consumers will have waited for a 182 registration number. The more relevant measure is the year-to-date figure which shows a decline of 4.5 pc compared to the same period in 2017.” 

This, he said, is at odds with the growth in economic activity in the country but has to be seen in the context of the volume of used car imports which impact negatively on new car sales. Commercial vehicle registrations for both light and heavy vehicles, have seen some increase for the month of June, reflecting investment for business.

Alan Nolan continued: “This week marks the start of the 182 sales period and, with plenty of competitive offers for consumers right across the various brands, there is something for everyone. As always, our best advice to consumers is to shop around to find the best deal from local dealers.”

The figures also show sales of electric vehicles year-to-date are up 41.44pc.

The top selling car brands so far this year were 1. Volkswagen, 2. Toyota, 3. Hyundai, 4. Ford and 5. Nissan.

The five top car models year to date were: 1. Nissan Qashqai, 2. Hyundai Tucson, 3. VW Golf, 4. Ford Focus, and 5. Skoda Octavia.

The top selling car for the month of June was the Opel Corsa (pictured above).

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'Huge opportunities' for motor industry in Ireland, but recruitment needed

The Irish motor industry could become a centre of excellence in automotive software engineering, according to the new President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Gerard O'Farrell, writes Trish Whelan.

At the Society's AGM in Kilashee House Hotel, he said the motor industry is on the cusp of exciting technological advances which will reshape customers transport needs and how they use cars in the future.

"This will also change the Industry beyond recognition which means huge opportunities as we transition to a future that will be more focused on IT and new technologies than on current mechanical systems," he said. "These changes will provide huge opportunities, from the development of these new technologies to the creation of new business expertise and job opportunities."

He added that the people required for the future will need to 'be at the cutting-edge' to deliver 'hugely exciting changes'. "As an Industry, we need to start our recruitment drive now to ensure that we can avoid serious skills shortages in areas that will be crucial to deliver for us for the state and for the environment."

Gerard O’Farrell is the Group Director, Car Division of the OHM Group, which is a privately owned Irish group involved exclusively in the Distribution and Retailing of Cars, Light Commercials and HGVs in Ireland.

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Women in the motor industry conference

The importance of entrepreneurship and of seizing opportunities was emphasised by speakers at the fourth annual Women@SIMI event, held last week in Dublin's Intercontinental Hotel, writes Trish Whelan.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry event was again sponsored by Bank of Ireland Finance, with more than 140 women in the Irish motor industry from around the country representing various sectors within the industry.

Mary Kennedy MC; Anna May McHugh, Managing Director National Ploughing Association; Gavin Hydes, President of SIMI; Michelle Spillane, Director of Global Marketing, RTE; Paula Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Fitzsimons Consulting.

In an opening address, new president of SIMI Gavin Hydes stressed the importance of communicating ‘the exciting and dynamic career opportunities that are available in so many diverse sectors which SIMI represent’.

Karen Kennedy, Head of Marketing at Bank of Ireland Finance, noted the importance of recognising both the female role models and mentors within the motor industry, and said BoI Finance was proud to play a part in this.

Panelists interviewed by RTE’s Mary Kennedy included Michelle Spillane, Director of Global Marketing, RTE; Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association; and Paula Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Fitzsimons Consulting.

Introduced as an icon ‘who embodies a wonderful spirit of Ireland and the best of what we are’, Anna May McHugh recounted her journey from assistant to the founder of the National Ploughing Championships in 1951 (he was a friend of her Dad’s) to her appointment as Secretary in 1956 and being elected Managing Director in 1973 — something she said she had never expected. “It was a huge responsibility on my shoulders and I wondered if I would ever laugh again," she recalled. "I had no idea then how it would grow to what it is today.”

She said the success of her career was based on a love of challenges, of organising things, and of people. "I’d also say I’ve got away with murder because I was a woman, and I never experienced a ‘no’," she said. "And I always believe in people, and if you have that belief in them they won’t let you down.”

Anna May has been at the helm of 'The Ploughing' as it evolved from a small competition and agricultural trade exhibition to what is now widely recognised as the biggest outdoor agricultural event in Europe, with 283,000 visitors last year. She believes around 40pc of the attendance are women.

She jovially recounted how her life has always involved working with men, ‘so hats off to the lovely men here today’ (and yes, there were a few!). She said her involvement in the NPC ‘was hard going’ and that 'if you make a mistake, it’s the best lesson you will ever learn'. She is always on the lookout for new events to introduce, attending overseas shows and trying to implement new ideas from them.

Anna May believes marketing to be all-important and her advice to women in the motor industry includes the truism that the customer is always right. “No matter how awkward a customer is, there is no problem that can’t be solved," she insisted. "You can get your own way … but in a nice way. It’s a lovely feeling to be at the helm, but it’s also a huge responsibility. You have to be dedicated and watch everything, because if anything happens, the buck comes back to you.”

Founder and MD of Fitzsimons Consulting Paula Fitzsimons spoke of how inspirational and motivational today’s women are. She advised those present to ‘develop antennae’ for opportunity. “It is there all the time. Whether you are open to it, and whether you see it, is what counts.” She noted too that statistics show two and a half times more businesses are set up by men than by women.

“Identify what you want to do and how you will do it," she advised. "Set goals and milestones to measure your progress. Decide what you want to achieve in three years’ time and what you will need to do over the next six months that will bring you towards that achievement. Write it down and then you own it, and revisit the plan every month.”

A recognised champion of entrepreneurship, Paula stressed how self belief is vitally important. “You have to become the powerbroker for yourself. Get a badge with your name on it and wear it wherever you can so people will know your name and will remember you. You own it and become your name and become an ambassador for yourself and for your organisation.”

Michelle Spillane with Mary Kennedy.

Michelle Spillane, currently the Director of Global Marketing in RTE, has worked in many marketing, media and entertainment sectors, including Disney, Warner Bros, ITV and BoI. Her expertise includes creating brands and making them stand out from the crowd, and the importance of believing in what you are doing. “Be the best version of you that you can be," she urged her listeners. "Stand back and understand why you are there, what your purpose is. It’s about showing the benefits to your customer. Think about what imprint you want to leave on every transaction you undertake. Create that 'stand out' attitude and cut through. Fitting in with the crowd is a short-term strategy but standing out pays off long-term.”

She said women must focus on what’s going to make the difference for their future. Her main advice was 'you never get the first six months back in any role, in any company'. "During that time I note everything down, every opportunity, every challenge, everything I want to change.”

Most of Michelle’s team are women. She says 'guys spend 80pc of their time working, and use the other 20pc to find out what else is going on' in the organisation, and while women in the workplace are committed, they can get caught up in day-to-day work. She said a daily To Do List is essential. “I don’t consider I have been especially lucky in my career. It’s work. It’s about being prepared, investing, looking forward.”

(Pics by Aidan Oliver Photography.)

New car sales to hit 147,000 for 2016

New car sales for 2016 are expected to finish at 147,000, the highest level in new vehicle registrations since 2008, writes Trish Whelan.

A similar outcome is anticipated for new car sales in 2017.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) report recently issued their third Quarterly Motor Industry Review for 2016 in association with DoneDeal. The report was compiled by economist Jim Power.

The report highlighted the strong performance in the first half of the year for the Industry followed by a slowing down of new car sales from August onwards, and urges caution for 2017.

It shows new car sales at 143,190 for the first three quarters of 2016 are 18.4pc higher than 2015; that new car sales so far have contributed €1.25 billion to the Exchequer which is 24.0pc ahead of the take for 2015.

Other statistics showed that 48,943 cars were imported from the UK which is up 38.9pc on 2015.

The cost of a new car is down by 3.5pc cheaper than September last year while the cost of petrol is down 5.0pc and diesel down 4.6pc in the last 12 months. However, motor insurance costs have increased by over 25pc since September 2015 and are up 68.7pc since September 2013.

Sales of light commercial vehicles are up by just over 20.0pc while those of heavy commercials are up by 38.6pc.

Pictured above are Alan Nolan Director General SIMI; Cathal Cremen, Commercial Manager of DoneDeal’s Motor Section; and Jim Power author of the SIMI/DoneDeal Report.

Car sales slow, industry 'watches closely'

As the Irish motor trade enters the year's 'dead zone' of sales, total registrations of passenger cars are up by 18pc on last year, writes Brian Byrne.

Relatively few cars are sold in November and December, so the 145,433 units registered to date suggest that initial predictions for the year's outturn may not be achieved.

The rate of growth in the 162 period to date is just 7pc compared to the same period in 2015, and results published yesterday by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show a net decrease of 12pc this October compared to last October.

"Whether this has been influenced by the Brexit situation or just a slowing of retail activity in the Irish economy, after a sustained period of growth, is not yet clear," says SIMI Director General Alan Nolan, "but this is something that the industry will be continuing to watch closely.”

Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations (27,347) are up 4,373 units or +19pc Year to Date, while registrations in the month of October (1,181) have seen a decrease of 23 units or -2pc in comparison to the same month last year (1,204).

Curb insurance or 'accidents risk will increase'

Unless action is taken to curb car insurance costs, accidents risk will increase and there will be more uninsured drivers, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry warns, writes Brian Byrne.

The Society notes that insurance premiums have risen by more than 71pc since 2013, and by 38.6pc in the last 12 months alone.

"Our experience of previous periods of high insurance costs suggest that car maintenance will reduce, thus increasing the risk of accidents," says SIMI's Director General Alan Nolan.

The motor industry is calling for the re-establishment of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board which previously delivered significant reductions and greater transparency on insurance costs.

"The Society also feels that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission should undertake out a general review of motor insurance premiums seeking to highlight the issues, including underlying costs, which give rise to the current high level of motor insurance premiums, and to make recommendations to the Minister in order to ameliorate the situation," Mr Nolan says.

He notes that recent reviews of insurance costs in the UK, has seen their motor insurance premiums fall to levels that are now lower than three years ago.

Used car sales up

Dealers are selling more used cars, but are importing less according to the Q1 report issued by SIMI, writes Trish Whelan.

Although imported used cars show a full of 41 percent (575), used car sales by the motor trade were up by ... MORE

Drogheda's Blackstone Motors celebrate double win

Noel Stewart and Donal Waters of Blackstone Motors are still celebrating having been awarded two of the top accolades at the Irish Motor Industry Awards last week, writes Trish Whelan.

The Renault and Dacia main dealers, located in Newgrange Business Park, Donore Road, picked up the two top awards for 'Franchised Sales Operation of the Year' and 'Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year'.

They were presented with their awards by SIMI President James Brooks and Pat Creed, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance (who sponsor the awards) at the SIMI Annual Dinner which took place last Thursday in front of over 700 of the motor industry's senior figures.

Blackstone Motors were praised for their 'focus on delivering top quality customer service'.

Paddy Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Group said "What a fantastic accolade for this very popular Renault and Dacia dealership! Congratulations to both Donal and Noel and their staff at Blackstone. It is great to win not one, but two of these top industry awards, and they are well deserved."

Pictured above are: Noel Stewart, Blackstone Motors; James Brooks, President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI); Pat Creed, Managing Director, Bank of Ireland Finance; and Donal Waters Blackstone Motors.

Exchequer gained extra €171m from new car sales

Figures just released from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that this year, new car registrations have generated an extra €171 million in revenue compared to the same period last year, writes Trish Whelan.

Car sales in August (4,873) were up 32 percent on August last year and so far this year, new cars sales have increased by 30 percent on 2013. The increase in registrations in July and August alone generated an additional €68 million for the Exchequer which brings the total for the year from new car sales to €720 million.

In addition, some 4,200 new jobs have been created this year, as a result of the success of the dual registration plate and the overall increase in business.

Alan Nolan, Director General of SIMI said "The real driver in increasing the registrations has been the level of growth in consumer demand, which has not been seen in the Industry for some time." He added that the continued strength of commercial vehicle sales underline the improvement in commercial activity in the economy this year.

New heavy commercial vehicles, although down by 32 percent (63 units) in August, remain ahead of last year by 30 percent (365 units). New light commercial vehicles are up 54 percent (441 units) for August, and 47 percent (4,196) for the year to date.

SIMI predicts new car registrations will exceed 95,000 by the end of this year, and that next year, they will have the potential to generate a further €100 million for the economy on top of this year's growth, and create 1,500 more jobs. However, he said it is crucial that this growth is not stalled by any negative decisions made in this year's Budget.