New car sales down 22% last month, used car imports up

The number of new cars sold here last month dropped by 22% compared to November last year.

As imports continue to rise in a buoyant used car sector, the latest figures from motorcheck.ie show that while the number of new cars sold in November was substantially down compared to 12 months earlier, the number sold throughout 2013 held up.

The total number of new cars registered so far this year is 73,829 — down just 6% for the same period in 2012.

New blog post - New Car Sales Down 22% in November: New car registrations down 22% in November 2013. Whilst i... http://t.co/EDOea6rPj8

— MotorCheck (@Motorcheck) December 1, 2013

However, there is good news for the motor industry in other areas.

Registrations of new commercial vehicles are marginally ahead (+4.7%) on the same period last year, while used car imports have grown by a hefty 28%, year on year, as the dealers in Ireland continue to look to Britain for stock.

The low sales of new cars experienced since 2009 has meant a lack of used stock in a very active market, with over 750,000 used car sales happening this year.

New car registrations down 22% in November http://t.co/R3fTR0zO8B #mediahq #NewCarSales

— MotorCheck (@Motorcheck) December 2, 2013

Petrol cars made a comeback this year, with overall sales of petrol cars up 6.4% against 2012, while diesel car sales suffered, falling 8.3% in the year to date, compared to 2012.

Multi-purpose vehicles became the most popular vehicle type, jumping ahead of saloon and hatchbacks for the first time.

Managing director of motorcheck.ie Michael Rochford said the figures for this year were “as expected”, with the focus now on order books for 2014.

“Feedback from the dealer network is that showroom traffic is up on last year, with order books looking like outperforming 2013,” he said.

Volkswagen looks set to remain as the most popular manufacturer for Irish consumers this year, with Toyota and Ford battling for second and third place.

Hyundai has made the most gains in 2013 and is currently in fourth place in terms of total new car sales.

The Volkswagen Golf is Ireland’s favourite new car in 2013 followed by the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Focus, and Ford Fiesta, respectively.

Nearly 500,000 used cars were sold in the first six months of this year, with German-made models the most popular.

The director general of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Alan Nolan, said the drop in sales for November was expected but that the outlook was positive.

“As we look forward to the new year and the 141 registration period in new car sales, there are strong indications of improved levels of activity,” he said.

“Dealers across the country are reporting an increase in showroom traffic compared to this time last year, with orders for 141 registrations up on last year, so many in the industry are more positive about the outlook for the first quarter of 2014.”