Newcarsalesfigures dropinJanuary

The number of new cars sold in Louth in January fell by almost 5% on the same month last year, according to new figures from the Society for the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

There were 811 new cars sold across Louth last month, down 4.9% on the 853 sold in the same month of 2019.

The figures are significant as January has been a ‘ boost’ month for in the motor industry, with buyers waiting to secure the very latest registration plate.

But the first month of the new decade was certainly disappointing for Louth motor dealers, as it resulted in the lowest opening sales for a number of years.

Among the top selling vehicles across the county are Nissan followed by Toyota , Renault, Hyundai, Volkswagen Ford, Skoda, Kia, Peugeot, and Dacia.

The top selling model in Louth remains the Nissan Qashqai, along with the Renault Clio, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Corolla.

In other changes, petrol cars were a more popular choice for owners than diesel, bucking the trend nationally. But the number of hybrid and electric vehicles also increased.

Commenting on the new vehicle registrations figures Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said: ‘ January is the most important selling month for new cars.

In this regard, it is very disappointing to see a reduction in new car sales compared to January last year, the fourth consecutive year in which there has been a fall.’

Jim Power, Economist and author of the SIMI Report said that other factors that could undermine the market is deep uncertainty and confusion about the environmental implications of different types of cars.

‘ These uncertainties are not helping new car sales.’