February new car registrations

Sadly, that's all the good news available when it comes to new car registrations. The overall car market fell by 11 per cent in February, which adds up to a total 12 per cent fall for the year so far. 15,128 cars were sold in February, with a running total of 47,425 for the year so far.

The Government was quick to chime in, taking as much credit as it can for the sudden surge in electric car registrations. Richard Bruton, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, said: "The record growth in electric vehicles sales in 2019 demonstrates the willingness of Irish consumers to embrace the change to a low carbon future. The Government is playing its part with a wide range of incentives supporting the purchase of electric vehicles and an investment of €10m in a significant expansion of the public charging network. The environmental benefits, longer range and low running costs of modern electric vehicles make them a viable option for all consumers. I would encourage all those purchasing a new car to play their part in making Ireland a climate leader and choose to drive electric."

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General Designate, acknowledged the effort of the entire industry in promoting electric cars: "With Brexit looming, new vehicle registrations continue to be negatively impacted across nearly all of our Industry. However, the one exception is the sales of Electric Vehicles, which increased by 542% this year compared to last year, and by the end of this quarter we will have sold more, new EVS than in the whole of last year. This increase is a result of a concerted effort by all stakeholders; by the Industry in supplying more, new EVS with greater travel range; by the Government through the generous taxation and other incentives; and by SEAI with their grant scheme. Ireland's transition to a zero emitting fleet will take a number of years to happen, but the co-operative approach by the Industry and the State thus far bodes well for the future."

Volkswagen holds the top-selling brand spot for the year so far, followed by Hyundai, Toyota, Skoda, and Ford. The Hyundai Tucson continues its reign as Ireland's best-selling car, followed by the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Ford Focus.