January 1 marked the beginning of Ireland's new registration plate system and Cork man John Buttimer was one of the first people in the country to take delivery of one of the new 131-plate cars when his new 2.0-litre TDCi Ford Mondeo Powershift was delivered.
Buttimer is not just any old Joe Soap though, as he is Cork City Lord Mayor and therefore was granted the very first 131 registration in Cork: 131-C-1.
"Ford is delighted to again provide the Lord Mayoral car," said Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. "This is the 25th year that we have done so. With its distinctive number plate - always the first car to be registered each year in Cork - the Lord Mayor's car has become a common sight on the highways and byways of Cork City and County. With the change to the new registration format for 2013 the car will be even more stand out than in previous years".
Lord Mayor John Buttimer said: "In view of Ford's rich heritage, steeped as it is in Cork City and County history, it is only fitting that the Lord Mayor should be conveyed in a Ford vehicle. The Mondeo is a great car and is an ideal vehicle with which to carry out the many and varied tasks I have to perform as Cork's first citizen. I think that famous grand-son of Cork, Henry Ford, would approve."