Shelbourne Motors, the prominent family-owned automotive group based in Portadown, led the field of top winners at the prestigious Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards this weekend, securing a major hat-trick of awards.
The Portadown firm’s success highlights the exceptional talent in the local industry, with Shelbourne Motors claiming three major accolades alongside other successful local companies including Roadside Garages, Charles Hurst JLR, and Fusco Vehicle Sales.
The Northern Ireland motor sector gathered for a glittering evening to celebrate the region’s best talent and business achievements at the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards, sponsored by Used Cars NI. The gala ceremony took place on Friday 14th November 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast, celebrating the region’s leading motoring businesses across 23 categories.
Shelbourne Motors celebrated an outstanding night, winning three of the most coveted titles: Dealer Group of the Year, EV Dealer of the Year, and Best Marketing Campaign (Franchised Dealer). This hat-trick of wins cements the Portadown-based company’s position as a leader in both retail and forward-looking electric vehicle expertise.
Cobra Cars NI, based in Craigavon, was also celebrated as the winner of the Small Independent Dealer category.
Emma Marley, CEO of Used Cars NI, said: “Used Cars NI was extremely proud to headline sponsor this year’s awards. Massive congratulations to all the winners in this year’s Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards.
“The atmosphere was electric, and it was a privilege to celebrate the extraordinary talent and dedication across Northern Ireland’s motor industry.”
Sandy Burgess, Head Judge and former CEO of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, said: “Selecting winners this year was incredibly challenging. The quality and volume of entries were outstanding, reflecting the exceptional talent driving the Northern Ireland motor sector forward.”
The 2025 judging panel included leading UK automotive experts: Sue Robinson (NFDA), Maggie Barry (award-winning journalist), Vic Covey (Fellow of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising), Martin Hutchinson (formerly Transport Training Services), Mark Styles (Technology Specialist), and Rachel Clift (Chief Executive, BEN). This collective of expertise ensures a rigorous, impartial assessment of all entries.
Sasha Jeffrey, Director of PR & Events at ASG and founder of the awards, said: “Congratulations to all our winners and highly commended recipients. Four companies tying for the highest number of wins highlights the calibre and competitive spirit across the industry. Now in their third year, we are proud to continue organising the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards, building on the success of previous events and making them bigger and better each year.”
Joining Used Cars NI in supporting the 2025 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards as category sponsors and partners were City Auction Group who served as the Associate Sponsor, AbbeyAutoline, Autoguard Warranties, CarMoney, Codeweavers, Cool FM, EMaC, Enterprise Mobility, Eskimo Lead Management, Momentum Warranties, MotorCheck, NFU Mutual, Northridge Finance, PML Group, PurpleRock, The Formula, Transport Training Services, and Warranty Solutions Group.
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