The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released its official 262 new vehicle registration statistics for October.
New car registrations for October were up 15% (2,501) compared to October 2025 (2,180). Registrations year to date are up 6% (130,754) on the same period last year (123,855).
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 2% (1,727) compared to October last year (1,687). Year to date, LCVs are up 7% (33,638). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations increased by 45% (205) compared to October 2025 (141). Year to date, HGVs are up 2% (2,586).
Imported Used Cars have seen a 15% (7,831) increase in October 2026, when compared to October 2025 (6,791). Year to date imports are up 32% (79,969) on 2025 (60,452).
In October, 1,092 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, a 55% increase from the 706 registrations in October 2025. So far this year, 36,270 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 57% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 23,082 electric cars were registered.
In the new car market share by engine type, Battery Electric cars lead with 27.74%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 23.54%, Petrol 19.43%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.99%, and Diesel 12.31%.
Emma Mitchell, Operations Director, SIMI, commenting:
“October’s new car market saw a 15% increase in new car registrations when compared to the same month last year, with 2,501 units registered. Year-to-date new car sales are 6% ahead of last year, with a total of 130,754 new cars registered. Demand for new battery electric vehicles remained strong in October, helped by government support and market offerings. 1,092 units were registered, compared to 706 in October 2025. Year-to-date BEV sales reached 36,270 units, a 57% increase on the same period last year. Growth is being seen across the country, including strong increases in both urban and rural areas, with 61% of new electric cars registered outside Dublin this year. BEVs are now the most popular powertrain for Irish new car buyers so far this year.”
2026 Total New Vehicle Stats
• New Car sales total year to date (2026) 130,754 v (2025) 123,855 +6%
• New Car sales total October (2026) 2,501 v (2025) 2,180 +15%
• New Light Commercial Vehicle sales year to date (2026) 33,638 v (2025) 31,412 +7%
• New Light Commercial Vehicle sales total October (2026) 1,727 v (2025) 1,687 +2%
• New Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales year to date (2026) 2,586 v (2025) 2,546 +2%
• New Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales October (2026) 205 v (2025) 141 +45%
• New Buses/ Coaches sales year to date (2026) 484 v (2025) 367 +32%
• Used Car Imports total year to date (2026) 79,969 v (2025) 60,452 +32%
• Used Car Imports total October (2026) 7,831 v (2025) 6,791 +15%
• New Electric Vehicle sales total year to date (2026) 36,270 v (2025) 23,082 +57%
• New Electric Vehicle sales total October (2026) 1,092 v (2025) 706 +55%
• 5 Top Selling New Car Brands 2026 were: 1. TOYOTA, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. SKODA, 4. HYUNDAI, 5. KIA
• 5 Top New Car Models 2026 were: 1. TOYOTA YARIS CROSS, 2. HYUNDAI TUCSON, 3. SKODA OCTAVIA, 4. KIA SPORTAGE, 5. SKODA KODIAQ
• 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Brands 2026: 1. KIA, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. HYUNDAI, 4. TESLA, 5. SKODA
• 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Models 2026: 1. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4, 2. TESLA MODEL Y, 3. SKODA ENYAQ, 4. TESLA MODEL 3, 5. SKODA ELROQ
• Top Selling New Car (October) 2026: VOLKSWAGEN ID.4
• Top Selling New Electric Car (October) 2026: VOLKSWAGEN ID.4
• Market share by engine type 2026: Electric 27.74%, Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 23.54%, Petrol 19.43%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.99%, Diesel 12.31%.
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