SIMI Awards Winners: Cartow.ie

“Winning the SIMI 2025 Vehicle Recovery Operation of the Year is a huge honour for us at CarTow.ie: it validates the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our team,” says Veronika, continuing: “It's not just a recognition of our operations but also a reflection of our ongoing focus on excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction. This award strengthens our position in the industry and motivates us to continue improving and innovating in all aspects of our services.” 

Commenting on the company’s performance over the last 12 months, Veronika notes: “The last 12 months have been an exciting and challenging time for us. We've seen a significant growth in demand for our services, which has been a highlight. Our team has worked tirelessly to expand our fleet and improve efficiency. A key challenge we faced was adapting to the increasing complexity of vehicle recovery, especially with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles. However, we’ve invested in new training programs and state-of-the-art equipment to stay ahead of these changes. 

Customer Service

Veronika explains that at CarTow.ie, customer service is at the core of everything. “We pride ourselves on being reliable, transparent, and prompt. Whether it's a breakdown or an emergency situation, we aim to provide peace of mind through our fast, professional, and friendly service. Our customer service team is always available, and we continually collect feedback to ensure we're exceeding expectations. It’s about making the entire recovery experience as stress-free as possible for our customers.” 

Innovation

Alongside customer service, a huge part of the company’s success has been its ability to stay ahead of the trends and prioritise innovation: “Innovation is essential in our line of work, as the industry is constantly evolving. Whether it’s adopting new technologies for better operational efficiency, incorporating eco-friendly practices, or staying ahead of trends like the rise in electric vehicles, we strive to lead the way. By staying ahead of trends, we ensure that we’re always prepared for the future, offering our customers the best possible service with the latest industry advancements.” 

Sustainable Strides

So, what steps is CarTow.ie taking towards sustainability and tackling climate action? “We recognise the importance of sustainability and are actively working to minimize our environmental footprint. This includes introducing greener towing vehicles into our fleet, improving fuel efficiency, and optimizing our operational processes to reduce emissions.  

Additionally, we are investing in training our team on sustainable practices. Our goal is to reduce our impact on the environment while still delivering the high-quality service our customers expect.” 

Staff and Training

Staff recruitment, retention and training is a crucial element of all businesses and, according to Veronica, CarTow.ie invests in its people: “Our staff are at the heart of CarTow.ie, 

and ensuring that we have a motivated, well-trained, and supported team is crucial to our success. Recruitment is vital, but retention is just as important. We focus on creating a positive, safe, and inclusive work environment.  

Our staff also undergoes continuous training to ensure they’re equipped to handle the latest industry changes, new technologies, and best practices. By investing in our people, we ensure that our services remain top-notch, and our team remains happy and committed.” 

Challenges

Commenting on the biggest challenges today facing the wider motor industry, Veronica highlights a number of issues, including technology, labour and climate action: “The motor industry is facing a number of challenges, particularly around the transition to electric vehicles, regulatory changes, and the rising costs of parts and labour. Adapting to the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions, while maintaining service quality, is a key challenge.  

“Additionally, keeping up with the rapid advancement of technology in both vehicles and recovery methods requires constant investment in equipment and training.  

“Finally, there is also the issue of the ongoing labour shortages within skilled trades, which impacts the entire industry.” 

Plans for 2025

Looking ahead, Veronica said that, for 2025, the company is focusing on expanding its services and improving the technology that powers its operations: “We plan to introduce new, eco-friendly vehicles into our fleet, as well as invest further in staff training to keep up with the latest trends and challenges. We also plan to enhance our digital presence, making it easier for customers to reach us and book our services. Above all, we’re committed to maintaining the high standards that have earned us this recognition and building on that success in the year ahead.”

Concluding, she adds: “Our greatest achievement is the continued trust and loyalty of our customers. Over the years, we've built a strong reputation for being reliable and efficient in our services. This recognition from SIMI as Vehicle Recovery Operation of the Year is another milestone that reflects our dedication to excellence. We take pride in the relationships we've built with our clients and our role in keeping people safe on the roads.”