New car registrations down in Laois as warning sounded on Brexit

New car registrations in Laois are down 10.71%for the first six months of the year, according to figures released from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). 

New car sales stood at 959 for the first six months of 2019, as compared to 1,074 for the same period last year. 

Nationally, the SIMI figures show that total new car registrations for the month of June are up 13% (1,410) when compared with June 2018 (1,248). New car registrations year to date are down 7.4% (80,712) on the same period last year (87,116).

New light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations are up 8.4% (752) on June 2018 (694), with registrations year to date down 7.6% (15,386). While new heavy commercial vehicles (HGV) increased 72.68% (316) in comparison to June 2018 (183) and year to date are up 14.6% (1,797)

Imported used cars for June saw a slight decrease -1.0% (8,060) on the same month last year (8,140) while year to date imports are 2.4% (53,120) ahead of 2018 (51,879).

New electric vehicle registrations continue to grow month on month with a total of 1,954 EV cars registered so far this year, which surpasses the total number of EVs registered for the whole 2018 (1,233).

Commenting on the registrations figures Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said, "Despite Ireland’s strong economic performance, new car sales for the first six months of the year have been disappointing, 7.4% down on the same period last year and over 20% down over the last 3 years.

"Every county in Ireland has seen a reduction on last year, reflecting the uncertain trading environment arising from Brexit. July 1 marks that start of the 192-registration period, which offers retailers some respite, and with a variety of competitive offers available there should be a brief upturn in showroom activity. 

"Many in the industry are already turning their focus on October’s Budget, which coincides with Brexit. In the current fragile business context, SIMI is urging the Government to exercise extreme caution in dealing with motor related taxation. The motorist should not be burdened with an increase in taxation on new cars, as this will only further dampen demand.

"The industry supports some 47,000 jobs, and dramatic taxation changes could undermine this level of employment, the new and used car markets, Government Revenues, and our ability to renew our national car fleet which in turn could hamper Ireland’s ability to meet its international environmental targets."

191 June New Vehicle Statistics

- New car sales total year to date (2019) 80,712 v (2018) 87,116 -7.4%
- New Car sales total June (2019) 1410 v (2018) 1248 +13%
- Light Commercial Vehicles sales year to date (2019) 15386 v (2018) 16,651 -7.6%
- Light Commercial Vehicles sales total June (2019) 752 v (2018) 694 +8.4%
- Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales year to date (2019) 1,797 v (2018) 1,568 +14.6%
- Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales June (2019) 316 v (2018) 183 +72.68%
- Used Car Imports total year to date (2019) 53,120 v (2018) 51,879 +2.4%
- Used Car Imports total June (2019) 8,060 v (2018) 8,140 -1.0%
- New Electric Vehicles sales total year to date (2019) 1,954 v (2018) 529 +269.38%
- New Electric Vehicles sales total June (2019) 53 v (2018) 17 + 211.76%
- 5 Top Selling Car Brands year to date are: 1. Volkswagen 2. Toyota 3. Hyundai 4.Ford 5.Skoda
- 5 Top car model’s year to date 1. Nissan Qashqai 2. Hyundai Tucson 3. Toyota Corolla 4. Volkswagen Tiguan 5. Skoda Octavia
- Top Selling Car June 2019: Opel Astra