Latest figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show a total of 11,640 new car registrations for the new 132 plate, introduced on July 1.
That figure is 864 more than the combined total for June and July 2012 and comes after an expected drop-off in June this year as buyers held out an extra few weeks before making purchases.
"Sales of cars on the new 132 plate have exceeded the Industry's expectations," said Alan Nolan, Director General of SIMI. "We have consistently said that this is a long-term project, seeking to shift some activity into the second half of the year, and honestly we expected it would take a number of years for car buyers to embrace."
"In reality though there was huge interest from the public in the new number plate from the very start and this has translated into a very strong level of sales during the month."
All eyes will now be on August sales but Mr Nolan seems confident they will not collapse: "With many offers now extended there is no sign of interest fading just yet and with footfall in showrooms continuing, we hope the momentum continues during August."
On the cars front, Ford is seen as one of the big winners, claiming top spot in July with 1,803 registrations from Volkswagen in second with 1,767. The German giant does have reason to cheer though with its Golf model the most popular car for the month, clocking up 685 registrations - almost 30 more than the second placed Ford Focus.