New car sales surge by almost one third

New car sales are up almost a third in the first three months of the year compared to the same period in 2015, as another strong year is predicted for the motor industry.

In its first quarterly report of the year, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry said new car sales totalled 82,830 in the first three months, up 28% on last year.

Sales had generated a total of €752m for the exchequer, up over 31% on last year.