Blackwater Motors of Fermoy were among those who received awards at the annual Irish Auto Trade Awards 2020, which took place at Killashee House Hotel in Kildare on October 17.
The prestigious awards programme is a celebration of excellence in the automotive trade across the island of Ireland.
Kenneth Power and Derek Browne of Blackwater Motors collected the Trade Parts Main Dealer Of The Year trophy on behalf of Parts Manager Tom Browne.
Mr Browne, from Cappoquin, later paid tribute to his team of eight staff for the role they played in the important Trade category win.
“This is the sixth year of the Irish Auto Trade Awards and we have won this category five times,” Mr Browne said. “It’s a massive achievement for us.”
“That’s a tribute to the knowledge and expertise of our staff, and the level of trust they have with customers.”
Mr Browne said the fact that customers were surveyed for the awards meant he felt it was an extra-special reflection of Blackwater Motors’ history of excellent customer service.
Retail auto businesses undergo a rigorous selection process that includes phone and personal mystery shops, before being finally adjudicated on. Manufacturer and distributor companies were shortlisted based on votes received by readers of the Irish Auto Trade Journal over recent months.
Winners from across the country were honoured in 26 categories, spanning aftersales, parts, components, tools, equipment and service.
Other regional winners included McCarthy Commercials, Watergrasshill (HCV Aftersales Main Dealer of the Year), Johnston & Perrott, Douglas (Aftersales Main Dealer of the Year), Truck Services Cork (HCV Trade Parts Main Dealer of the Year) and Fix Auto Cork Central (Bodyshop of the Year).
Organiser Padraic Deane of Automotive Publications commented, “Standards continue to rise across the many categories covered by our awards. Businesses like Blackwater Motors of Fermoy are setting the benchmark for their entire sectors.”
Next year’s awards will coincide with the Irish Auto Trade EXPO 2020, which is expected to attract in excess of 8,000 visitors to the Citywest exhibition centre on 17th and 18th October 2020.
