Positive national sales reflected in latest local figures

LONG considered a barometer of economic recovery, latest car sales figures continue to buck the trend with the most recent statistics for April 2016 indicative of a positive trend within the sector. Official statistics released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show new car registrations for the month of April up 10 percent compared with April 2015, while new car registrations, year to date, are up 26 percent on the same period last year.

Car sales here in the southwest also reflect the national trend with the latest new car registrations for 2016 in Kerry at 1,959 units – up from 1,461 in 2015. Cork also shows an upward curve with latest sales figures at 10,912, compared with 8,056 in 2015.

Commenting on the figures, SIMI Director General, Alan Nolan, said: “Vehicle registrations are a very accurate barometer for the progress of the economy with the new car statistics reflecting the position of consumers while business activity and confidence can be seen in the commercial vehicle sales. Registrations from the different sectors continue to perform well as we progress towards more normal levels of sales for our Industry.”

Mr Nolan added: “The two registration plate system has produced two very strong sales peaks in the first and third quarter of the year. As we move closer towards the second registration period, we would expect to see sales taper off somewhat; however, there are still very strong offers and many deals still to be done.”

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