The number of new cars registered in Donegal this year has increased by 6.09% compared to last year.
2,456 new 2022 cars have been registered between January and September in the county, compared to 2,315 during the same time period in 2021.
Nationally, new car registrations for September were up 42.5% (6,340) when compared to September 2021 (4,449).
Electric Vehicle Sales continue to power ahead, with over 14,500 new EVs sold this year, up 86% on last year, with EVs accounting for 29% of new car sales in the month of September.
Commenting on the new vehicle registrations Brian Cooke, Director General SIMI said: “New vehicle registrations, hampered by global supply issues, continue to remain challenging.
“New car sales year to date, while strong in September and breaching the 100,000 barrier for the year, are only marginally ahead of last year, and are 11% behind 2019 (pre-COVID levels).
“Sales of commercial vehicles, both Light (LCVs) and Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs), also remain subdued.
“On a more positive note, Electric Vehicle Sales continue to power ahead, with over 14,500 new EVs sold this year, up 86% on last year, with EVs accounting for 29% of new car sales in the month of September.
“This strong performance of the EV market is down to increased supply from Vehicle Manufacturers, particularly in the family segment, and the vital support of the SEAI grant scheme.
“The early Budget, with no VRT increases and the extension of the EV grants for the first half of next year, provides some stability in what is highly volatile retail environment, and will hopefully encourage car buyers into dealerships for the vital selling period between now and the end of the year.”
