Entries are now officially open for the 2025 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards, which will return in November to celebrate the talent, innovation, and excellence driving the region's automotive sector.

The prestigious black-tie awards ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 14th November 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Belfast. This year features an expanded lineup of 24 categories, designed to spotlight achievements across new and used car dealerships, leasing companies, parts and servicing businesses, and the professionals contributing to the industry's success.

Used Cars NI, Northern Ireland’s leading online vehicle marketplace, returns as the title sponsor for the third consecutive year, now under the leadership of newly appointed CEO, Emma Marley.

Commenting on the launch, Emma Marley said: "Used Cars NI is proud to continue its support of the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards – a true celebration of the people and businesses who are transforming and progressing our sector every day. As we look to the future of motoring, it's never been more important to recognise those embracing innovation, prioritising customer care and investing in the next generation of automotive talent."

New for 2025 are revised dealer size categories and enhanced recognition for customer service, marketing excellence, and community impact, applicable to both independent and franchised dealers. This reflects the growing diversity and dynamism within the sector.

Awards will be presented across Dealer Group, Franchised Dealer, and Independent Dealer (Large, Medium, and Small) categories, alongside specific awards for Used Vehicle Dealer and EV Dealer. Operational accolades will recognise Best Leasing Operation, Best Customer Service, Best Marketing Campaign, and Best Community Campaign across both independent and franchised networks. Individual excellence will also be a key focus, with categories for Dealer Principals, Sales and After Sales Managers, Sales and After Sales Teams, and Automotive Technicians. The popular Inspirational Female, Rising Star, and Apprentice Awards will return to highlight outstanding talent at all levels, complemented by the Best Employer Excellence Award.

The 2025 event is organised by PR and Events specialists ASG Comms, who were behind the successful debut of the awards in 2023 and a record-breaking event in 2024, which saw over 588 industry guests and 148 entries from 40 leading automotive businesses.

Sasha Jeffrey, Director of PR & Events at ASG Comms, stated: "We're incredibly proud of the platform the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards has become – not just for recognising excellence, but for building community, sparking collaboration and giving a real sense of pride back to the industry."

She added, "Over the past year, we've listened closely to feedback from judges, sponsors and participants, and we've taken those insights on board to evolve the awards for 2025. This year's expanded categories are about going deeper – shining a light on the breadth of talent, innovation and leadership right across the sector."

The judging process will again be fully independent, featuring an expanded panel of respected automotive leaders and experts from across the UK. The panel will be chaired by Sandy Burgess, former Chief Executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association. Other esteemed judges include Vic Covey, Sue Robinson (Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association), Martin Hutchinson, Maggie Barry, Mark Styles, and Rachel Clift (Chief Executive of BEN, the automotive industry charity).

The deadline for receipt of entries is Monday 28th July 2025 at 5pm.

For more information on how to enter or to book tickets, visit www.nimotorindustryawards.com.