New car sales are slightly up on last year according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ), however, Mayo bucked that trend with sales down 14 per cent for the year. SIMI has warned however, that the figures need to be put in the context of a market showing relatively low sales overall.
When it comes to car sales in general, units sold over the first seven months of the year are down by 12 per cent (71,065 ) compared to the same period last year (81,158 ).
The Renault Fluence was the best selling car this July while the Ford Focus continues its dominance as the best selling model.
Sales of commercial vehicles (vans ) were up 21 per cent in July, with sales for the year still slightly down (minus two per cent )
Alan Nolan, director general of SIMI, says the increase in overall sales shows that there is still value out there for consumers who are taking advantage of strong offers from the industry.
“There is no doubt that the current level of sales is being driven by the industry seeking to prolong the selling season and car buyers are continuing to benefit from this with great value out there at the moment. This modest increase in July, compared to post scrappage trading in July last year, needs to be put in the context of a market at relatively low levels overall.”
