New car registrations in Mayo this year practically like for like with last year

New car registrations so far this year in Mayo, at 2,038 units, are practically like for like with the same period last year, when they numbered 2,056.

Nationally, November proved to be a positive month, with new car registrations up 22% (1,123) when compared to the same month in 2023 (921).

Registrations year to date are down 1% (120,783) on the same period last year (122,055), however.

Meanwhile, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) declined by 30% (537) compared to November last year (767) but year-to-date LCVs are up 6.9% (30,700). Registrations of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are down 20% (96) in comparison to November 2023 (120). However, year to date HGVs are up 8.8% (2,849).

Imported used cars have seen a 2.4% (4,964) rise in November 2024 when compared to November 2023 (4,846). Year to date, imports are up 23.5% (58,410) on 2023 (47,307).

In November, 516 new electric cars were registered, which was a 59.3% increase on the 324 registrations in November 2023. So far this year, 17,168 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 24.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2023, when 22,653 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type for 2024, petrol cars continue to lead the new car market at 30.38% followed by diesel at 22.86%, then hybrid (petrol-electric) at 20.95%, electric at 14.21%, and plug-in hybrid at 10.05%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI director general, commented: “In November, new car registrations increased by 22% when compared to the same month last year. Despite this increase, year-to-date registrations are down by 1%. Both light and heavy commercial vehicle registrations saw a decline in sales for November, but activity year to date remains ahead for the commercial fleets.

“The new electric car market, following nine months of decline, saw some improvement in November, with 516 new electric cars registered, representing a 59% increase from November 2023. However, year to date EV registrations are 24% lower than 2023.

“Hopefully we are starting to turn a corner for electric vehicles following a very challenging year. With this in mind, the new Programme for Government must include increased support for the EV project, strong investment in incentives and in the charging infrastructure.

“As we approach the final few weeks of 2024, the industry’s focus is now firmly on its key selling period at the start of 2025. With generous incentives for customers to buy new cars across all brands and all market segments, members are hopeful for the busy start to 2025.”

The five top selling new car brands so far this year are: Toyota, Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai, Kia. The five top selling new car models up to the end of November 2024 are: Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Octavia, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Yaris Cross.