Galway's Richie Commins has been handed the keys to a new, taxed and insured car after becoming a Nissan Generation Next ambassador.
Richie (23 ) from Claregalway secured one of 11 places that were up for grabs on the ambassador programme which helps people to get ahead with the backing and support of Nissan.
His success follows a three-week public vote with 100,000 votes cast on line for 20 finalists.
Commins selected a Nissan Juke "as the car best suited to help him take his business to the next level of success". He started his business DASH (Driving All Students Home ) while studying for a degree in Business Information Systems at NUI Galway. Its app allows students to get a taxi to get home safely, even when they have no cash, bank card or phone.
Some 8,000 students have already signed up to create an online account at www.projectdash.ie by adding their photo ID and bank details to create a unique four-digit pin.
Students using the innovative service can simply present participating taxi drivers with their name and four-digit DASH pin. Taxi drivers who have downloaded the DASH app can then use these details to verify the identity of the student and to process the taxi fare upon arrival at the student’s destination.
“I am delighted to become a Nissan Generation Next ambassador and to drive away with a new Nissan Juke. We are currently preparing to roll out the service to colleges and taxi drivers across Ireland. The car couldn’t have come at a better time and it will really help to scale and develop the business,” Commins says.
“Up until now I had to rely on my mother for lifts. My new Nissan Juke gives me great independence and takes a huge pressure off my family who have been hugely supportive in helping me to get my business off the ground. I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and I’m really looking forward to realising my goals with Nissan’s support,” he added.
Local Nissan dealer, Windsor Galway Nissan, backed Richie during the voting stage and are delighted with his success.
“Richie is an exceptional talent who shares Nissan’s commitment to excellence and innovation," says Michael Butler, sales manager, Windsor Galway Nissan.
"We are delighted to welcome him to the Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme and to supply him with an award winning Nissan Juke so he can drive his business to the next level."
