The final new vehicle statics for 2013 issued by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that new car sales were down 104 units (-33%) in December compared to 2012 (down from 316 to 212), writes Trish Whelan.
For the full year 2013, new car sales were down 7 percent (5,271) on 2012 (74,303 v 79,574).
Van sales were up 3 percent on 2012 (11,076 v 10,804) and truck sales were up 27 percent (1,717 v 1,354) on 2012.
SIMI Director General Alan Nolan (pictured) says: "While the new car market is down on last year, it did stage a strong recovery in the 132 registration period July-December after a very poor first six months." He said commercial vehicle sales figures are also an indication of recovery in the sector and the latest jobs figures from the CSO show 1,000 more people working in the Motor Industry now compared to the middle of 2013.
Alan Nolan said many in the Industry are very positive for the new car market, with dealers reporting an increase in showrooms football and stronger sales activity for the new 141 registration period in January compared to last year.
