According to figures released today from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Light Commercial Vehicles were also down, marginally, at 25,350 units.
For the second year in a row, a record number of used cars were imported, at 113,926 they were a 13.1pc increase on 2018.
The increased interest in electric cars was reflected in sales of 3,444 units, compared to the 2018 total of 1,233.
In powertrain terms, diesel accounted for 47pc, Petrol 41pc, Hybrid 9pc, Electric 3pc, and Plug-In Hybrid 1pc. Diesel remains the most popular engine type, while hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid gained market share in 2019.
A third of of cars sold were with automatic transmissions, increasing by 22pc over the previous year.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said 2019 was a disappointing year for new car sales in Ireland. "This decline is in part is attributable to the record levels of used imports, having a dampening impact on new car sales."
Noting that the industry is now firmly focused on January and on the first quarter, he said the new car market continues to be hugely competitive with generous incentives to buy a new car across all brands and all market segments.
