The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has appointed its new president, Paddy Magee, the country operations manager of Renault Group Ireland, is taking up the reins.
The appointment of Magee to the presidency of the body that represents the Irish motor industry and trade was made at the organisation's AGM held recently in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare.
The electrification process
Speaking at the event, Paddy Magee, President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, commented that "As President I look forward to working even more closely with the Society over the next 12 months. My 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 its climate action targets. 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."
Magee continued, "We are already starting to see a reduction in EV support. Our primary focus is on Budget 2024 ensuring EV incentives/supports are maintained, No VRT/VAT increases and to see 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."
Wicklow native
Magee is responsible for the Renault and Dacia brands in Ireland, which share 33 dealerships nationwide. Born and raised in Wicklow and a graduate of DIT Bolton Street, Magee was Sales Director of Renault Ireland until he was appointed as the group's Country Operations Director in 2013. Since then, both brands have been strong performers in the Irish market, not least Dacia, which has doubled its sales in 2023 compared to 2022. The group currently employs more than 600 people and is currently the third-largest network in the industry for passenger cars and vans.
Magee has previously served as Chairperson of the SIMI's Vehicle Distributors Committee and is a current Society's Management Board member. He is married to Claire and has two daughters, Katy May & Rhona.
Challenges bring opportunities
Magee said of his 25 years in the car industry: "I have yet to see one year which has been normal and without challenges, but I would also say that these challenges have always brought opportunities. It is exciting times, as we are seeing many changes within our industry, the continued journey towards electrification is now joined by changes in distribution along with many daily challenges."