Alan Nolan, SIMI Director General says July and August accounted for 22 percent of new car sales so far this year, compared to just 10 percent for the same period last year, so the new plate is spreading sales which was the main aim of its introduction.
"Despite the increase in the last two months, the year as a whole is down nearly 8 percent. Some 68,544 new cars have been sold so far this year, compared to 74,234 last year. In this context, it is important that any Budgetary measures assist retail business including the Motor Industry."
He said that with the Budget only seven weeks away, SIMI will be asking the Minister to construct a Budget that encourages consumer spending. "We will be putting forward proposals on incentives that will help increase new car sales and their associated tax revenues."
