New car registrations fell by 21% last month, compared to February 2016, a decrease that was worse than expected by the industry.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) wants the Government to re-establish the Motor Insurance Advisory Board (MIAB), after figures show that sales of new cars for September were down on the same period last year.

The Government is being urged to do more to reverse a surge in car insurance prices.

A total of 121,098 new cars were sold in Ireland in the nine months to September, a 30% increase compared to 2014, an industry report has found.

Mark Boggan has been elected president of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), the representative body for vehicle manufacturers/distributors, franchise dealerships, independent garages, wholesalers, commercial vehicle testers and other businesses in the motor industry in Ireland.

The AA has said Budget 2015 contains "relatively good news" for motorists.