Athlone EV business reaches new audience at ploughing championships
The owner of an Athlone based E-Vehicle business has welcome the opportunity to exhibit in the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships this week.
Aniko Szucs, founder of E-Vehicle Accessories Ireland, is promoting her 'frunk' product at the three day event taking place in Screggan Tullamore.
E-Vehicle Accessories Ireland offers premium storage solutions to EV owners, with the 'frunk' being a mainstay of its product range since the business was founded by Anita in 2021.
The 'frunk' (a combination of the words, front and trunk) provides a secure, weatherproof space in an EV, for the storage of charging cables, groceries, tools, or everyday gear.
Aniko is one of 31 business entrepreneurs, who have received support from Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, to exhibit at Europe's largest agricultural event this week.
It is anticipated that close to 250,000 people will pass through the National Ploughing Championship gates over the course of the three days allowing for Aniko's 'frunk' product to reach a wide audience.
Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships, Aniko said she was grateful for the opportunity to exhibit at the Local Enterprise Village as her business looks towards continued growth.
She acknowledged the financial support she has received to date from the Westmeath Local Enterprise Office which has enabled her to develop and promote the 'frunk'.
Having worked in the car industry for nine years prior to losing her job during Covid, Aniko believed she could bring her industry experience to fruition with the launch of her business five years ago.
"At the time of losing my job I was driving a EV. There was always an issue with storage so the idea of the 'frunk' came to mind.
"Thankfully, with the support of Westmeath LEO, I was able to source funds to help me develop the product and bring it to the EV market," Aniko said.
Her aim at the National Ploughing Championships is to "create awareness" of her 'frunk' product, particularly now that there is an increase of EV users on Irish roads.
She had a "promising" first day of customer interactions at her Local Enterprise Village stand and is hopeful of receiving a number of orders for her product while she is at the National Ploughing Championships.
Looking towards the future of her five year old EV business, she is hoping to add to her product range in the next year and also emply a second person for the business.
"The Local Enterprie Office has been very supportive, but if I am to bring additional EV products to the market, I will need more funding as it is a costly experience running your own business," Aniko stated.