The number of new cars registered in Donegal in January is up sixteen per cent on last year’s figures, according to the latest report from The Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
Last month there were 765 new cars registered in the county, including 57 new electric cars.
This compares to 657 new cars registered in January 2023 when 58 electric cars were registered in the county that month.
Nationally there were 31, 470 241 new vehicle registrations which represents a 15 per cent rise on 2023’s figure.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, said: “January 2024 has seen a positive start to the year for the Irish Motor Industry. New car registrations are 15% ahead of 2023, although they remain 3% behind 2019 (pre-covid levels). Sales of commercial vehicles, both Light (LCV) and Heavy (HGVs) registrations, are showing increases on last year, a positive signal from the business sector. Electric vehicles (EVs) sales continue to grow, with 4,109 registrations in January, up 12% on the same period last year. Petrol cars (31.8%) retained the top market share, while Hybrid-electric cars (23.9%) surged to overtake Diesel cars (21.7%) claiming second place for the first time.
“While EV sales can be viewed positively, the growth is slightly less than the overall increase in the new car market. This highlights the ongoing challenge as we move away from the early adapter stage into a more mainstream market. The Industry continues to supply a greater range of Electric Vehicles (EVs) with over 70 different EV models available for sale in Ireland. As we move forward, ongoing Government support in terms of incentives and charging infrastructure will play a vital role in ensuring the success of the next phase in the transition to electrification.”
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