February car sales show 17% rise

Figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today show a rise in car sales for last month.

The SIMI statistics show that total passenger car registrations for the month of February were 24,786, up 17.71% on the same period in 2004.

Year to date statistics (to end of February 2005) show passenger car registrations at 63,277, a rise of 17.74% on same period last year.

Commenting on the February figures Cyril McHugh, Chief Executive of SIMI said: "Cars sales are a good indication of the state of the economy.

"Low unemployment and interest rates combined with increased disposable income and a high level of consumer confidence underpin the current positive economic climate.

"This is a continuation of the recovery in sales seen in 2004, following a decline in the previous three years."