THE MOTOR industry mourns the passing of Bill Duffy, a man widely admired and regarded by all who knew him as one of the true gentlemen of the Irish motor industry.
His long and distinguished career with Motor Distributors Ltd included various appointments in the distribution and retail arms of their business, including a period with Europa Cars in Blackrock during their time as exclusive Mazda dealers.
But it is his work as sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars that he will be best remembered. Working in tandem with then-chief executive, Matt Fagan, Duffy oversaw a period of significant growth and development for the franchise during which the three-pointed star dominated sales in the luxury market segment.
Following his retirement he returned to carry out consultancy assignments for Motor Distributors and their retailing arm, Motor Services Limited.
From Ballina, he is survived by his wife Breda, sons Robert and Adrian, daughter Andrea and grandchildren.