Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), and SEAI has today announced the national winner of the 2024 ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Award at the SEAI Energy Show at the RDS in Dublin.
Fitzpatrick's Garage Kildare has been named the National Winner of the ZEVI EV (Electric Vehicles) Dealership of the Year award at the SEAI Energy Show in the RDS.
It is the second time the garage has won the award having been announced national winner at the inaugural awards in 2022.
Fitzpatrick's Garage Kildare was one of four regional dealerships previously shortlisted out of 134 county winners.
The announcement was made at the SEAI Energy Show at the RDS in Dublin
Fitzpatrick’s Garage Kildare has won the annual award which recognises outstanding efforts in encouraging electric vehicle (EV) uptake in Ireland and was presented this afternoon at the SEAI Energy Show at the RDS in Dublin. This is the second time that Fitzpatrick’s has been announced overall winner, having won National Electric Vehicle Dealership of the Year at the very first awards in 2022.
Out of 134 winning county dealerships, four regional finalists were previously announced at the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Awards in February for their demonstrated commitment to best-in-class customer experience. From those four regional finalists Fitzpatrick’s Garage Kildare was named the National Winner of the ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year award. Fitzpatrick’s was selected for the award by a panel of experts who assessed each dealership's performance across a range of criteria, including showroom visibility of EVs, salesperson knowledge of EVs, sales approach, EV training, sales trends, and website presentation.
CEO of Fitzpatrick’s Garages, Sean Lyons commented:
“We are very honoured and delighted to be awarded the 2024 National EV Dealer of the Year again after winning the inaugural award in 2022. It is a tremendous accolade and great recognition for our team. Founded in 1951, our business has always focussed on providing great cars, honest advice, and exceptional service. Today as we move away from fossil fuel dependency and enter the new age of electric vehicles, it is vital that motor dealers recognise the part they need to play in advising and assisting motorists on their electric journey. We at Fitzpatrick’s are totally committed to this goal, assisting our customers to make the transition, providing them with electric vehicles that suit their needs and budgets, and ensuring we protect our environment now and for future generations.”
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said:
“As Ireland transitions to a more sustainable future, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a key component of reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Under the Climate Action Plan, the transport sector must reduce its emissions by 50% by 2030 and electric vehicles will play a huge part in reaching this target. These awards recognise and celebrate car dealerships and their efforts in promoting and selling EVs to Irish customers. EV dealers are helping us move away from fossil fuels and reduce emissions, making our air cleaner, and cities and towns safter places to live. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Fitzpatrick's Garages and thank them for helping us in our efforts to decarbonise the transport sector.”
CEO of SEAI, William Walsh commented:
“The transport sector represents about 18% of Ireland’s carbon emissions nationally, with road transport and private car usage carrying the most significant carbon footprint. By 2030 it’s expected that 30% of our private car fleet will be electric, reducing those emissions significantly. EV dealerships are vital in this transition, and these awards recognise and celebrate dealers contributing to the decarbonisation of the transport sector, helping drivers make the switch to electric. By joining SEAI’s EV grant scheme, dealers are making it easier and more affordable for their customers to make the switch, helping them to save money and protect the environment. I want to congratulate Fitzpatrick’s Garage Kildare on their award today and thank them for the important part they are playing in switching our private car fleet over to electric.”