OCTOBER NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS SLIGHTLY UP: YEAR TO DATE MARKET DOWN 25%

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released their official new vehicle registrations statistics. New car registrations for October seen an increase of 6.2% (2,315) when compared to October 2019 (2,179). While registrations year to date are down 25.2% (86,870) on the same period last year (116,124). 

Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) are up 56.2% (1,667) compared to October last year (1,067) and year to date are down 15.3% (20,587). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are up 15.7% (155) in comparison to October 2019 (134). However, year to date HGV's are down 21.5% (1,951).

Used car imports for October (9,315) have seen a decrease of 18.7% on October 2019 (11,457). While year to date imports are down 37.7% (58,504) on 2019 (93,892).

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:
“October new car and light commercial vehicle registrations are broadly in line with the same month last year. However, like many other retail sectors, overall this year has been hugely difficult due to COVID-19, with new car sales down 25% year to date. With car showrooms closed for the next number of weeks due to Government COVID-19 restrictions, retailers have been enhancing their online presence, particularly with the month of November being the key selling period for forward orders for the new registration plate in January. Manufacturers and retailers are already offering generous incentives for customers to buy a new car. With the ongoing impact of COVID and the impending Brexit deadline fast approaching it is vital that the Government continue to support business in this uncertain trading environment.”

2020 Total New Vehicle Stats

• New car sales year to date (2020) 86,870 v (2019) 116,124 -25.2%
• New car sales total October (2020) 2,315 v (2019) 2,179 +6.2%
• Light Commercial Vehicles sales year to date (2020) 20,587 v (2019) 24,312 -15.3%
• Light Commercial Vehicles sales total October (2020) 1,667 v (2019) 1,067 +56.2%
• Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales year to date (2020) 1,951 v (2019) 2,484 -21.5%
• Heavy Goods Vehicle sales total October (2020) 155 v (2019) 134 +15.7%
• Used Car Imports total year to date (2020) 58,504 v (2019) 93,892 -37.7%
• Used Car Imports total October (2020) 9,315 v (2019) 11,457 -18.7%
• Electric Vehicle sales year to date (2020) 3,867 v (2019) 3,220 +20.09%
• Electric Vehicles Car total October (2020) 254 v (2019) 246 +3.25%
• 5 Top Selling Car Brands 2020 were: 1. Volkswagen 2. Toyota 3. Hyundai 4. Skoda 5. Ford
• 5 Top car model’s year 2020 were 1. Toyota Corolla 2. Hyundai Tucson 3. Volkswagen Tiguan 4. Ford Focus 5. Hyundai Kona.
• Top Selling Car October 2020: Volkswagen ID
• Market share by engine type 2020: Diesel 43.1% Petrol 37.12% Hybrid 11.93%, Electric 4.45%, Plug-in Hybrid 2.78%
• Table below shows new car registrations by county for January to October 2020.
  (Click here to download table pdf)

For further information:
Teresa Noone, SIMI, Tel 087 792 8844 Email tnoone@simi.ie