Fall in new cars registered fails to dampen overall trade

THERE was a sharp slow- down in the number of new cars licensed in February, although the overall level of first-time vehicle registrations in 2008 has shown a slight increase.

New Central Statistics Office figures show an 8.3% reduction in new private cars registered last month compared to the same period in 2007.

During February, 24,290 cars were licensed — a decrease of 2,205 on 2007.