New car registrations for February were up 5.30 percent (13,834 ) when compared to February 2020 (13,138 ), while registrations for the year to date are still down 11 percent (38,986 ) on the same period last year (43,788 ).
The latest data from the SIMI tells us that used car imports for February (5,757 ) have seen a decrease of 7.04 percent on February 2020 (6,193 ). The year to date figures for imports are down 1.84 percent (12,579 ) on 2020 (12,815 ).
New electric car registrations increased dramatically for the month of February with 813 registered compared to 390 on the same month last year.
While so far this year 1,791 new electric cars were registered in comparison to 1,281 on the same period last year an increase of 46 percent. Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars also continue to increase their market share, according to SIMI.
The figures show that the top five selling brands last month were Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Skoda and Ford.
Light commercial vehicles (LCV ) are up 51.30 percent (3,315 ) compared to February last year (2,191 ) and the year to date figures are up 6.39 percent (8,339 ).
Heavy goods vehicle (HGV ) registrations are down 15.8 percent (224 ) in comparison to February 2020 (266 ). The year to date figures for HGV’s are down 9.5 percent (563 ).
“While new car sales were slightly up when compared to February last year, they are down 11 percent year to date and down 18 percent on 2019.
“Strong pre-orders at the end of last year along with the ability to offer a click and deliver service have helped the Industry, as has the reduced VAT rate during the first two months of the year, which has brought some March sales forward.
“Looking ahead, with most year-end pre-orders having been fulfilled, the increased VAT rate and with the absence of car hire, it is anticipated that the month ahead will be a challenging one for the Industry," Brian Cooke, SIMI director general, commenting on the latest figures, said.
