The motor industry has been one of the worst affected trades during the current economic downturn, with numerous big name dealers folding under economic pressures. But in Mayo it seems the lure of a 2010 number plate on the front bumper was far more appealing than a 2009 one.
Figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ) this week shows that there has been a upturn in new car purchases in Mayo this January compared to the same time last year.
Up to the end of the month there were 335 new private cars registered in the county, which is up by 17 from the same time last year when 318 private cars were registered. This represents a 5.35 per cent rise for private cars registered in Mayo. The news was even better for light goods vehicles registrations, with 41 registered in Mayo in January, up from 28 at the same time last year, a 46.43 per cent increase in this sector. However it was not all good as the heavy goods sector saw a more than 50 per cent drop off in registrations from the same time last year. New registrations dropped by 57.14 per cent down from seven to three for the month of January. The total number of new registrations went up 26 from 353 in January 2009 to 379 for the first month of 2010, a 7.36 per cent increase overall for the same time last year.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has 47 different members spread throughout the county from large dealerships to small garages and repair shops.
