New car sales down 6.5 per cent

New car sales to the end of November are down 6.5 per cent, compared to the same period last year, figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) confirm

The latest new car stats from SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) show that the sale of new cars was down 20 per cent in November, compared to last year. So far, for the year, sales of new cars are down by 6.5 per cent .

The commercial vehicle market is up with vans up 34 per cent in November (up 2 per cent for year) and trucks up 123 per cent in November (up 24 per cent for year).

Alan Nolan, SIMI’s Director General says: “While November sales are always very low (703 cars, 380 vans and 78 trucks) the year to date total gives us a better picture of where we are. This shows the new car market down 6.5 per cent on last year and as predicted, the full year sales will finish somewhere around 74,500. On the other hand, activity in the commercial vehicle sector, which is often an indication of the overall health of the economy, has been a bit more positive with an increase in the sale of both vans and trucks which is a good sign that there is some growth in this area.”

“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. 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”.