Irish motor industry needs to attract more young people, Simi conference hears

“Opportunity exists where a young apprentice can become a dealer principal. It’s our time to throw down the ladder, bringing new blood into our industry,” he said.

He is 43 years in the industry. He started as junior salesperson and opened his own dealership in 1994 – Hutton & Meade – along with his business partner Joe Hutton.

At the AGM, he emphasised the significance of investing in people and technology to drive the industry and the electrification of transport.

He warned that the industry is not “solely responsible” for decarbonisation. The Government’s role is equally important, he said.

“They simply must maintain the incentives and support which help to encourage our customers in making the switch to EV and reassure them in their purchase choice,” he said.