Car dealers cash in on SSIA year

MOTOR dealers had their best year since 2000 with sales up 4.5% to 186,540 thanks to buyers flush with SSIA savings money.

Last night trade body, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), hailed the figures as proof of the strength of the economy.

“People said the economy has slowed down but it is still outperforming other countries,” said SIMI director-general designate Alan Nolan.