Mark Woods Appointed President of SIMI

Published on 27 May, 2025

SIMI Welcomes New President

Overview

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

Woods takes over the role at a time of rapid change and growing environmental pressures in the motor industry.

“I am deeply honoured to accept the position of President of SIMI,” he said. “To be given the opportunity to represent this industry, and this Society, is something I value enormously.”

A Focus on Sustainability and Strategy

In his address, Woods highlighted the pressing challenges facing the industry, including climate change targets, road safety, and the need for a unified approach to sustainability.

He called for a coordinated national strategy that combines infrastructure, policy reform, and cultural change to accelerate the shift toward cleaner transport. Key recommendations included:

Maintaining existing incentives for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Supporting biofuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), especially in the heavy vehicle sector

Expanding the current diesel rebate scheme to include HVO

“Without that investment now,” he warned, “the cost to the State — both financial and environmental — will only grow.”

Encouraging Industry Collaboration

Woods also reaffirmed SIMI’s commitment to representing the full diversity of the Irish motor industry and supporting its members across all sectors — from manufacturing to sales and servicing.

Despite the challenges ahead, he emphasised the industry's willingness to work with the Government on delivering Ireland’s climate goals and building a sustainable future for Irish transport.

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives