Sales plunging but car dealers ready to return

THE motor sector is enduring a torrid time during the lockdown with new car sales down by more than a fifth on last year.

The latest figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that, across the country, new-car sales are down by just under 31 per cent in the year to date.

The picture isn’t quite as bad in Kerry, but it is still bleak.

From January to the end of April – with dealerships shuttered since mid March – there were 1,171 new car registrations in the county. That represents a cliff-edge drop of 21.3 per cent on the same period in 2019, when 1,488 new cars were sold to Kerry motorists.

The commercial vehicle sector is also feeling the impact of closures, with light commercials vehicle sales down 25.3 per cent year on year nationally.

SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said COVID-19 is having a devastating impact on the motor industry but the sector continues to do its part in the fight against the virus.

“SIMI members have, during the course of the lockdown to date, been available to assist in emergency and essential call outs. We continue to play our part in keeping vital goods and services moving. However, the registration numbers underline the lack of activity in new vehicle sales, and this is replicated for used cars and servicing,” he said.

While the situation now is difficult, Mr Cooke said the sector is using the time to prepare for the post-lockdown world.

“While the short-term outlook for the economy is bleak, once the health situation allows, the motor industry is ready to get back to work,” he said.

“Members have used this downtime to implement measures, in accordance with both industry and State guidelines, that will protect both their employees and customers against the spread of COVID-19. The size of dealerships and the average footfall, for both sales and servicing, lends itself to social distancing. While sanitisation measures being put in place, for both premises and vehicles, means that safety and protection are at the top of the agenda,” said Mr Cooke.

Stock image The COVID-19 lockdown has had a devastating impact on car sales with dealers in Kerry seeing new car sales fall by more than a fifth on 2019.