The Government scrappage scheme contributed to a rise in new car sales of 4.5 per cent in January compared to the same period in 2009, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ).
Some 16,650 cars were registered last month, up from 15,929 in January 2009. Ford, with a 15.9 per cent share, was market leader, ahead of Toyota and VW.
Top car sales for January 2010 include
1. Ford 2,643 (15.9 per cent )
2. Toyota 2,081 (12.5 per cent )
3. VW 1,819 (10.9 per cent )
4. Renault 1,543 (9.3 per cent )
5. GM (Opel ) 1,221 (7.3 per cent )
6. Nissan 970 (5.8 per cent )
The jump in sales was most pronounced in tax bands A and B, where volumes were up by over 15 per cent, reflecting the impact of the scrappage scheme. “The scheme is definitely arousing interest among prospective buyers,” said Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “Aside from solid orders, we’ve seen a strong level of enquiries which should bear fruit this month and next.”
The scheme helped the Ford Fiesta to become the best-selling car in Ireland last month, with 1,062 units, ahead of the Ford Focus with 915 units.
“Alongside scrappage, some pent-up demand and a tentative degree of consumer confidence brought a lift in registrations in a month which had fewer selling days [than last year], and was disrupted by the inclement weather,” continued Eddie Murphy. “Clearly, people are also attracted by the many deals on offer. I expect the sales improvement to continue into February and beyond.”
Sales of light vans rose to 2,068 units in January, a jump of 28 per cent on January 2009. Ford was again the top-selling brand, with a 20.3 per cent share.
