Jonathan Meade, Director of Hutton & Meade Dublin, has been elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at its recent AGM in Naas, Co Kildare.
Jonathan Meade said the motor industry in a sector where everything is possible.
"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. Creating opportunity for school leavers and other professionals to join our industry," he added.
But he said that like other businesses, the motor industry has faced many challenges over the years.
He highlighted the significance of investing in people and technology, which he said will help to drive the industry and the electrification project forward.
"For our business and for the wider membership, the electrification of the national fleet is one of the industry's biggest challenges but also importantly one of its biggest opportunities," he said.
"The greater availability of EV models that we now see in showrooms has helped to build momentum, but the industry is not solely responsible for decarbonisation," he said.
"Of equal importance is the Government's role, and 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 added.
