Paddy Magee new SIMI president
Paddy Magee, country operations director of Renault Group Ireland, has been elected president of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), following the organisation’s most recent AGM.
The Wicklow-native replaces outgoing SIMI president Antonia Hendron, managing director of M50 Truck & Van Centre.
“As President I look forward to working even more closely with the Society over the next 12 months,” Magee commented. “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 their 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.”
He 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.”
Magee has enjoyed 25 years working within the motor industry, 20 of which have been with Renault Ireland. “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,” he said.
“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.”
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, where he is responsible for the Renault and Dacia brands in Ireland and a network of 33 dealerships around the country.
Paddy Magee has previously served as chairperson of the SIMI’s vehicle distributors committee and is a current member of the Society’s management board.
