The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released their official new vehicle statistics. To present a more accurate picture of the new vehicle registrations, it is important to compare registrations totals with the same period in 2019 (pre-COVID) when businesses were fully operational.

New vehicle registrations for May were encouraging, with strong growth in both the passenger and commercial vehicle sectors when compared to last year. However, new car sales year to date are still 23% behind pre-COVID 2019.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) says its members are optimistic after the first week of trading following the reopening of car showrooms. SIMI Retailers across the country, have reported steady flow in business, with an increase in enquiries for both new and used cars, and this should be reflected when the official new car registration numbers for the month May are to be released on June 1st.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released their official new vehicle statistics. While new cars sales to the end of April have now overtaken sales for the same period last year, they are still over 24% behind pre-COVID 2019.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released their official new vehicle statistics. To present a more accurate picture of the new vehicle registrations, it is important to compare registrations totals with the same period in 2019 (pre-COVID) when businesses were fully operational.

In a recent national survey conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes 75% of the people surveyed said they would be comfortable visiting car dealerships/garages when travel restrictions allowed. Car dealerships/garages were ranked first out of eight non-essential Retailer categories as the most comfortable to visit.

While new car sales were slightly up when compared to February last year, they are down 11% year to date and down 18% on 2019. Strong pre-orders at the end of last year along with the ability to offer a click and deliver service have helped the Industry, as has the reduced VAT rate during the first two months of the year, which has brought some March sales forward. Looking ahead to March, with most year-end pre-orders having been fulfilled, the increased VAT rate and with the absence of car hire, it is anticipated that the month ahead will be a challenging one for the Industry.

Following the Government’s recent announcement (6/01/20). Vehicle Sales is not classed as “Essential Retail”. Showrooms must remain closed to the public. Click and collect from non-essential retail outlets is no longer permitted with immediate effect. Existing orders may be collected. Click and deliver will continue to be permitted. Customers should check with their local retailer. Vehicle servicing and repair, NCT and CVRT continue to be classed as essential retail outlets undertaking essential services.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released their official new vehicle registrations statistics for 2020. Total new car registrations for 2020, finished at 88,324 -25% down on 2019 (117,109).