New car sales up 35% in February

Sales of new cars jumped by 35% last month compared to February last year, as the strong recovery in the motor trade continues.

Figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show a similar surge in new car registrations last month — up 37% (21,625) compared to February of last year.

Total new car sales are up 35% (61,350) on the same period last year (45,586).

Light commercial vehicles sales are currently up 50% (3,484) on February of last year (2,328) and for the year to date are up 39% (10,043) overall. Heavy goods vehicle registrations are up 26% for the month of February (260) compared to the same month last year (206), and are up 83% year to date.

SIMI deputy director general Brian Cooke said the figures show the early signs of a strong 2016 for the industry were good.

“The increase in new car registrations is partly due to the pent-up demand that arose as Ireland has replaced so few older cars with new ones over recent years, and this in addition to lower new car prices driven by the generous offers from retailers and manufacturers, and the availability of low cost finance are all helping to increase sales,” he said.