It is a pleasure to be here today to open the Europa Academy.
This initiative is Bill Cullen’s brainchild and I would like to congratulate him for bringing this ground breaking new third level training academy on stream for professionals in the motor industry. The promotional brochure for the academy states that – “Leaders are not born – they are made”. We may all have our own views on this – but one thing is sure, Bill is a leader. It seems that whatever he embarks on, whether in business or as an author, he makes his mark. Indeed, today we can safely say that this venture makes him a role model for his latest book - Golden Apples – 6 Simple Steps to Success!
The Europa Academy is devoted to developing excellence in every facet of the motor industry. This is something which I know Bill is firmly committed to. Now due to your partnership with Enterprise Ireland you have created an invaluable resource for the industry going forward.
My congratulations go to the Board of Directors, the Management and all of the staff here today. I salute Pat Lyons who will be working here full time. Pat is well placed to take on the challenges of his new post, having been the commercial director at Glencullen. Congratulations also go to Ron Cella who was with Glencullen for seven years as operations director and Mark Richardson who has over 20 years experience in Motor Sales in Ireland and the UK. Liam White as Technical Training Manager and Richard Owen as After Sales Development Specialist, both bring a vast range of experience with them from their respective posts in the industry as well.
The Irish Motor Industry has benefited from and played an important part in the economic success of this country in recent years. While we all remember 2000 as a bumper year for car sales, the continuing positive economic outlook has ensured steady growth in recent years as well.
There were nearly 21,000 new private cars licensed in April of this year as compared with just over 19,000 in the same month last year - an increase of 9.5%. The total number of all vehicles licensed in April increased by over 22% when compared with the same month in 2004. Such figures certainly bode well for the industry going forward.
The opportunity for this particular venture arose as a result of changes in the legislation governing motor trade practices in Europe. The deregulation of restrictive trade practices has opened up the trade substantially, enabling, for example, car dealerships to trade in a wide range of models and car types. As part of this process, the motor industry is imposing strong Technical and Commercial Training standards.
I know that FÁS recently launched its National Training Programme for the Motor Industry in conjunction with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry. Some training for the Upskilling of Mechanics has already taken place in this wonderful Centre and I am sure that FÁS will be delighted to be associated with this venture going forward.
In addition, I am told that you have successfully trained mechanics from the UK, Iceland, Greece and Israel. I commend you also on your strategic associations with other institutions including the IMI, the University of Exeter and Northwood University, USA.
This academy's core programme is the Master Technician qualification - which is now a requirement in every dealership. But your commitment to customer care means that training for Management and Customer Service staff is provided as well. The online training element that you are developing as part of your business means that people from further afield will not be excluded, by virtue of distance.
Safer cars are an integral part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy. Items such as computer-controlled anti-lock brakes, high efficiency and multi-fuel engines and automatic navigation systems are now regularly included in new car specs. With all of the new devices however, we must continue to bear in mind that the laws of physics still apply. The safest car in the world will never be any safer than its driver. And the positive aspects of these technological advances can become ineffective if a vehicle is not properly maintained and serviced.
The introduction of the NCT was a key vehicle-related initiative in the Road Safety Strategy and has been of great benefit. It, together with the roadworthiness test that applies to commercial vehicles, have changed owners’ attitudes in adopting a more sensible and responsible approach to regular safety checks and servicing of their vehicles. Given this, it is critical that there is a steady supply of highly trained professionals on hand to provide the service and advice necessary in an industry of this nature.
I am confident that the motor industry will continue to avail of the range of courses taking place at the Europa Academy over the years to come. On that note, may I wish Bill, the Board, and the Management and staff of the Academy every success with this exciting venture.
Thank you.
ENDS.