The new car registration figures finished the month on 22,915 units, up from 17,280 in January 2013. These figures represent the best start the Irish Motor Trade has experienced in six years.
With the economy on the rebound registrations of New Commercials are also showing very positive growth, up 43.7% over January 2013 with the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Caddy and Citroen Berlingo the top sellers. This all augurs well for the Motor Industry in 2014 with total sales of 85,000 units being widely predicted in the trade. I would be reasonably confident that the new dual registration system in place will ensure that the second half of the year will be much stronger than in previous years and this should mean that 2014 will deliver the best new car sales since 2008.
The used car market is just as buoyant. However the shortage in 3-5 year old Irish registered cars on sale continues to contribute to the growth in used car imports, which are up 39% (4,857 units) over January 2013 (3,492 units). A note of caution must be sounded however, as Motorcheck.ie warned that it has seen an increase in the numbers of clocked and written off vehicles in circulation as unscrupulous individuals take advantage of stock shortages. Consumers considering the purchase of a used car need to protect themselves from clocking, badly repaired write-offs and vehicles under finance and ought to carry out an online car check before parting with their money.
Volkswagen start the year as they finished 2013 with the Volkswagen Golf as top model. Toyota start the year as the Manufacturer with most new car registrations in January 2014.
