Official statistics from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ) show that new car registrations for the month of November were down nine per cent (687 ) when compared to November 2016 (754 ) , with new car registrations this year to date down ten per cent (131,200 ) on the same period last year (146,215 ).
Registrations in the commercial vehicle sector also saw a decrease, with registrations in the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV ) sector down 12 per cent on November, 2016 and 14 per cent this year to date. New Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HGV ) have increased 83 per cent compared to November, 2016, but are also down 13 per cent this year to date.
Used Imports continue to remain ahead with registrations for the month of November up eight per cent, while year to date they are 32 per cent ahead of 2016.
Commenting on the figures, SIMI director general, Alan Nolan stated: “This has been a year of uncertainty for the Industry, as we experience the Brexit impact. Sterling weakness is contributing to increases in used vehicle imports which continue to influence used car values making Irish used cars cheaper but increasing the cost to change for car buyers, which has impacted on new car volumes.
“Looking towards 2018, the industry focus on the Electric Vehicle (EV ) sector will increase. The zero per cent benefit-in-kind incentive over 3-5 years announced by the government is hugely welcomed and will help increase the supply of EVs in the future years. While all vehicle fuel types continue to play an important role in the make up of our car park, the replacement of older polluting cars remains a priority if we are to meet our climate change targets.”
