12 per cent drop in new car registrations in County Wexford

THE numbers of new cars registered in Wexford between January and the end of August fell by more than 12 per cent, according to new figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

SIMI said 2,921 new cars were registered in the Model County during the eight-month period, compared to 3,328 during the same period last year.

Nationally, new car registrations are down by 10 per cent, to 124,711.

SIMI Deputy Director General, Brian Cooke has called for no negative decisions, such as increases in fuel duty, in Budget 2018.

‘Our industry continues to experience a direct impact from Brexit in the market place. Used car imports for the month of August increased by 31 per cent (8,451) while in the year to date have increased by 40 per cent (62,161) and these numbers have a knock-on impact on used car values and new car sales volumes,’ he said.

From September 1, sellers of new cars in the EU will have to provide more accurate information for consumers on emissions and fuel consumption.

‘Ahead of Budget 2018 our message to the decision makers is simple with this declining market there should be no negative taxation decision in relation to VRT, road tax, or fuel,’ said Mr Cooke.

‘ The Industry is focused on offering alternative fuel solutions and the government can encourage customers to avail of these through a variety of incentives. Some car brands have already rolled out their own initiatives to encourage the removal of older vehicles with the purchase of new cleaner cars,’ he said.