Car sales predictions reached five months early

Car sales have hit their target for 2010, five months ahead of schedule, according to data released today by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

The SIMI had predicted a total of 70,000 cars would be bought this year - but they've already broken through that level with figures from today showing 70,103 cars sold so far this year.

SIMI says the boost from scrappage schemes has exceeded all expectations.

"With such an abysmal year last year, we knew that even an increase of around 20% on last year, or 70,000 new car sales, would help the industry get back on its feet,2 said Suzanne Sheridan of the SIMI.

"We had hoped that scrappage would boost new car sales but the result has exceeded our expectations.

"With this upturn in business, garages can start to re-employ staff they had to let go last year," Ms Sheridan added.

"We’re not out of the woods yet but there certainly an increase in consumer confidence in our industry and the wider economy.”