SIMI new car registration figures for May

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Sales of new cars in Ireland remain down by ten per cent compared to last year, with sales in May falling by eight per cent compared to May of 2016. That's according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, whose Director General, Alan Nolan said: "With the first 5 months of the year now behind us, the decline in registrations across all sectors has been a noticeable trend reflecting the unpredictable nature of the market at present. As we near the end of the 171 registration period, there will undoubtedly be incentives to purchase a new car before the end of June. Notwithstanding this the Industry and consumers are turning their focus to the second registration plate, which since its introduction has seen the proportion of the full year market occurring in the second half of the year increasing significantly. This year we will again see each brand offer innovative packages to encourage the purchase of new 172 cars. The Wexford Motor Show taking place this weekend, and the Drogheda Motor Show taking place the weekend of the 16th of June, will give consumers the ideal opportunity to shop locally and ensure they can get the best possible deal on any new car."