Motor group leads drive to scrap ‘13’ plates and calm superstitious buyers

The country’s motor industry is bidding to head off a fresh sales dip next year with proposals to scrap the “13” number plate for superstitious car buyers.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry points to estimates that 7% to 8% of the population dislikes the unlucky number. It fears that if that translates into new car buyers, dealers will be in for a rough year.

SIMI is finalising a submission to the Government seeking a new registration system, as it believes the current one encourages the frenzy of new car buying at the start of the year rather than supporting a steady stream of business throughout the year.