4.4% SLUMP IN NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS
‘Very challenging’ year for dealers
NEW car registrations dropped by more than 5,000 vehicles last year, statistics from the Society Of The Irish Motor Industry show.
The figures revealed a 4.4% decrease, falling from 131,332 to 125,557.
The top-selling car was the Hyundai Tucson with the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia rounding up the top five.
And the number of electric vehicles registered almost doubled, shooting up from 622 in 2017 to 1233 – a 98% increase.
Grey was the most popular colour while black, white, blue and red were also high on the want list of buyers. Counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Roscommon all recorded drops of 10% in sales while Carlow, Kildare, Louth and Wexford were the only areas that recorded an increase.
SIMI director Brian Cooke said: “Despite the strong economic Hyundai Tucson performance of Ireland last year, 2018 proved very challenging for new car sales.
“The drop in new car registrations is largely a result of Brexit and the associated weakness of sterling. “This has led to a surge in used car imports over the last two years and 2018 saw used imports surpass the 100,000 mark for the first time. “The motor industry is however, as always, forward looking and with the new 191 sales period now commencing, January and the first quarter will be the key focus for dealers.
“In this context, the new car market is hugely competitive, with a wide choice of models and creative incentives, as well as the availability of a variety of financing options driving real value for customers.
“For consumers looking at the used car market, whether an Irish car or a used import, SIMI’S advice is to shop around and consider the real benefits of shopping in your local retailer, who not only provides value to the customer but also encourages economic activity locally.”
Number of electric cars registered compared to 622 two years ago