SIMI ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT MARK WOODS

Mark Woods, Chief Supply Chain Officer of The Maxol Group, was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s AGM, held recently in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare. 

Speaking at the event, Mark Woods, newly appointed President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, commented, “I am deeply honoured to accept the position of President of SIMI. To be given the opportunity to represent this industry, and this Society, is something I value enormously." 

The President remarked on the importance of industry diversity and collaboration, emphasising the Society's commitment to supporting members from different sectors. He also highlighted the challenges facing the industry, including climate change objectives and promoting road safety.

Additionally, the President called for a coordinated national strategy to support the adoption of electric vehicles and to embrace biofuels, like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), particularly in the heavy vehicle sector, which will play an important role in reducing emissions. 

Mark Woods, SIMI President, stated, “There needs to be acoordinated national strategy- one that combines infrastructure, policy reform, and cultural change. The existing incentives for Battery Electric Vehicles have been vital in shifting behaviour and must be maintained, while the diesel rebate scheme for commercial vehiclesshould be extended to cover HVO.Without that investment now, the cost to the State—both financial and environmental—will only grow.”

Despite the challenges facing the Motor Industry, the President reaffirmed the Industry’s commitment to working with the government to achieve climate change objectives for a sustainable future.

ABOUT MARK WOODS, SIMI PRESIDENT
Mark Woods is the Chief Supply Chain Officer with The Maxol Group. Reporting to the main board, Mark is responsible for the effective management of all aspects of operations, logistics, storage, and safe transportation of products, together with the significant capital and operational spend associated with these activities. As well as his role as Chief Supply Chain Officer, Mark is very active in the area of Future Fuels and is responsible for developing the Group’s thinking on the emergence of alternatives such as Biofuels, electric and hydrogen powered vehicles. In addition to the technical evolution of these technologies, Mark is keenly interested in the various national and EU policies promoting these alternatives. Mark represents The Group on various industry bodies including Fuels for Ireland and is a Board Member of SIMI.

Mark’s commitment to social responsibility goes beyond his professional role. Through Aware, an organisation close to his heart, he became actively involved in mental health advocacy and continues to volunteer on their support line. He is also a proud supporter of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Guide Dogs NI and encourages anyone considering a charitable cause to keep these organisations in mind.

For further information: 
Teresa Noone, Communications Director, SIMI 087 7928844 tnoone@simi.ie