Car sales up overall, but October slow

MORE than 145,400 cars have been sold so far this, up 18 per cent on the same period last year, however, the SIMI said it was not clear whether this was because of the Brexit vote or a slowing econonomy.

New car registrations for October of 2,243 decreased by 316 units or -12 per cent compared to October 2015.

The 3,466 passenger cars sold in Wexford so far this year, represent 2.38 per cent of national sales.

In neighbouring Wicklow, 3,197 cars were sold in the same period, 2.2 per cent of national sales. Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations nationally (27,347) are up 4,373 units or 19 per cent on the year to date, while registrations in the month of October (1,181) have seen a decrease of 23 units or -2 per cent in comparison to the same month last year (1,204). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations during October (128), recorded a decrease of -16 per cent (25 units) for the month when compared to October last year, while year to date registrations (2,774) are currently up 711 units or +34 per cent compared to the same period in 2015 (2,063).

SIMI Director General Alan Nolan said a slow-down in new vehicle registrations has been expected in the third quarter, with much smaller numbers each month compared to the peak selling months.

‘Indeed the industry is already moving its focus to the 2017 sales period, as can be seen and heard in current advertising campaigns.

‘However it is fairly apparent that the 162 period at seven per cent up on last year has seen a slowing-down in registrations relative to the 161 period which finished 23 per cent up on the first six months of 2015. Whether this has been influenced by the Brexit situation or just a slowing of retail activity in the Irish economy, after a sustained period of growth, is not yet clear but this is something that the Industry will be continuing to watch closely,’ said Mr Nolan.

•Top Selling Makes for the Year 2016: 1. Hyundai 2.Volkswagen 3.Toyota 4.Ford 5.Nissan

•Top Selling Models for the Year 2016: 1. Hyundai Tucson 2.Volkswagen Golf 3.Ford Focus 4.Skoda Octavia 5.Nissan Qashqai

•The top selling car for the month of October were the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Passat Saloon and year to date is Hyundai Tucson.

There were 40,167 petrol cars sold, 102,098 diesels and 382 electric.