Electric car sales surged in 2025

Toyota was the top-selling brand.

Total new car registrations reached 124,954, rising 3 per cent from 2024, writes Brian Byrne. According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, electric car registrations surged by 35.1 per cent to 23,601 units sold.

Imported used cars increased by 16.6 per cent to 61,583.

In the powertrain market share, petrol remains the top choice, but electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid now account for over 56 per cent. Diesel engines represented 17.09 per cent of the total.

Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations grew by 7 per cent to 30,669, while Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HGV) declined by 5.1 per cent to 2,862.

Toyota was the top-selling brand for the fifth consecutive year. 

Car sales up for January

Volkswagen's ID.4 was top electric car seller in January.

In what the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) says is a 'promising start' to the year, new car registrations for the month of January were up 7pc (33,521) compared to January 2024 (31,407), writes Brian Byrne. 

Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are down 16pc (6,270) compared to January last year (7,478). While HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are showing an increase of 8pc (489) in comparison to January 2024 (454).

Imported Used Cars saw a 5pc (5,604) rise in January 2025, when compared to January 2024 (5,325).

Electric Vehicle (EV) sales experienced the highest monthly sales recorded to date, 4,925 registrations in January, representing 20pc increase when compared to 4,093 in January 2024. 

Petrol cars remain the most popular powertrain at 28.24pc, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 24.89pc, Diesel at 16.31pc, Electric at 14.69pc and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.17pc.

Automatic transmissions account for 71.71pc of market share, while manual transmissions continue to see a decline. 

Fewer new cars registered in May 2024 - SIMI

New car registrations for May were down 15pc (6,407) when compared to May 2023 (7,545) while registrations year-to-date are up 3.8pc (at 77,453) on the same period last year (74,612), writes Trish Whelan. 

Sales of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) dropped by 22.3pc (1,950) compared to May last year (2,511) and year-to-date LCVs are up 21.3pc (19,543). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are up 24.4pc (265) in comparison to May 2023 (213) and year-to-date HGVs are up 20.2pc (1,707). 

Imported used cars saw a 22.9pc (5,514) rise in May this year compared to May 2023 (4,486) and year-to-date imports are up 26.00pc (26,207) on 2023 (20,797). 

Figures from The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) also show fewer new electric cars registered in May (1,044) which was a 39.1pc drop over the 1,715 registrations for May 2023. So far this year, some 10,062 new electric cars have been registered which is a 21.8pc decrease compared to the same period in 2023 at 12,875. 

The top selling car brands 2024 are: 1. Toyota, 2. Volkswagen, 3. Skoda, 4. Hyundai, 5. Kia. The top selling EVs are: 1. VW ID.4, 2. Tesla Model Y, 3. Hyundai Kona, 4. Tesla Model 3, 5. MG MG4. The top selling car for May was the Dacia Sandero (pictured above) and the top selling electric car was the Tesla Model Y (pictured below). 

Petrol cars continue lead the new car market at 33.30pc followed by diesel at 23.06pc, Hybrid (petrol electric) at 20.18pc, Electric at 12.99pc, and Plug-in Electric Hybrids at 8.86pc. Electric cars have seen a fourth consecutive month of decline in sales with the EV share of the market now at just 13pc, down from 17pc on last year. Commenting on the figures, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, said the private consumer is the driver of EV sales in Ireland and they need greater reassurances on their EV investment which includes, as a minimum, the extension of current incentives and delivery on an electric charging infrastructure as well as encouraging the company car market - and to delay the phasing out of the BIK concession until such time as EVs become firmly established.

 

 

Jonathan Meade is new SIMI President

Jonathan Meade, Director of Hutton & Meade Dublin, was elected president of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s recent AGM held in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, writes Trish Whelan. 

Mr Meade has worked for 43 years in the motor industry. 

In his acceptance speech, Mr Meade highlighted the significance of investing in people and technology as this will help to drive the motor industry and the electrification project forward. He added that for the industry and its wider membership, the electrification of the national fleet is one of the industry’s biggest challenges and one of its biggest opportunities. 

He said the Government must maintain the incentives and supports which encourage customers in making the switch to EVs and reassure them in their purchase choice.

 

New car sales edge closer to pre-Covid levels

New car registrations for May were up 42.7pc (7,557) compared to May 2022 (5,295) while registrations year-to-date are up 18.2pc (74,542) on the same period last year (63,057), writes Trish Whelan. 

Figures released by SIMI for May show some 1,725 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 743 in May last year and that nearly one-in four new cars sold were electric, outperforming diesel sales for the month. 

SIMI statistics also show that so far this year 12,875 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to +55.9pc (8,258) on the same period 2022. Electrified vehicles, including all-electrics, Plug-in hybrids and hybrids now have a combined market share (year to date) of 42.75pc. 

Imported Used Cars saw a 14.9pc (4,486) increase in May 2023 compared to May 2022 when 3,905 second hand cars were imported here. Year-to-date, imports are up 5.2pc (20,797) on 2022 (19,766). 

Petrol remains dominant at 32.36pc, with diesel accounting for 22.17pc, hybrid 17.51pc, electric 17.27pc and Plug-in electric hybrid 7.96pc. 

Light Commercial vehicles are up 76.2pc (2,528) compared to May last year (1,435) and year to date are up 31.1pc (16,255) while Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) sales are also showing an increase of 11.9pc (217) over May 2022 (194). Year to date HGVs are up 35.6pc (1,424). 

The five top selling car brands in 2023 are 1. Toyota, 2. Volkswagen, 3. Hyundai, 4. Skoda, 5. Kia while the top car models are: 1. Hyundai Tucson (pictured above), 2. Kia Sportage, 3. Toyota Corolla, 4. Toyota Yaris Cross, 5. VW ID4. Top selling EV models are: 1. VW ID.4 (pictured below), 2. Hyundai Ioniq 5, 3. Tesla Model Y, 4. Skoda Enyaq, 5. Kia EV6.

 

'Disappointing' July sales as supply impacts

Car sales for July have been described as 'disappointing' by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, writes Brian Byrne.

With registrations for the month at 21,902 units, they were 17.3pc down on the same month last year. Year to date sales are down 3.6pc compared to the same period last year.

Electric vehicle registrations at 11,182 year to date are up by 79.6pc and represent almost 13pc of sales.

Brian Cooke, Director General SIMI, says that while it appears that there is appetite among consumers for both new and used cars, supply issues are hampering overall activity. He also urged the Government to continue its support for the EV project by extending EV supports at current levels out to 2025 and to resist any VRT increases in Budget 2023 which 'will only prove counterproductive' to efforts to encourage the change to lower and zero emitting vehicles.

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New SIMI President

The new President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry is Antonia Hendron, Managing Director of M50 Truck & Van Centre, Dublin.

Ms Hendron was elected to the position at SIMI's AGM last week, held in Killashee House Hotel in Kildare.

In her inauguration speech she said she wanted to help the motor industry to become a leader and enabler of the green transition.

She said 'consumer confidence is key' to making this transition and would require the Government to continue VRT and grant support for electric vehicles until at least 2025. 

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SIMI call for Budget 2021 to reduce VRT

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) have today reiterated their call to Government to reduce Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in the upcoming Budget and so save jobs, writes Trish Whelan. 

A reduction in VRT would protect the 40,000 people employed in the Industry, sustain business, stimulate new car sales while helping to decrease emissions from transport and protect Exchequer Revenues.

January 2021 will see a new taxation system for new cars tested under WLTP (new testing system). SIMI say any increase in VRT would have dire consequences for the sector which is already struggling in the context of both COVID and BREXIT. It would make new cars considerably more expensive to buy, reducing demand and would see thousands of job losses and business closures. 

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General (pictured) commented: “January 2021 will see a taxation change for our Industry, the biggest change to VRT and Road Tax since 2008. The 2008 change coincided with the recession causing a collapse in the new and used car market with close to 15,000 jobs lost. With the dual threat arising from COVID and BREXIT, we simply cannot have the same destabilisation of the car market again.”

He added that ‘a more burdensome VRT regime will undermine both the new and used car markets making new cars more expensive, impacting on used car values and slowing our fleet renewal’. This, he said, will inevitably lead to a fall in employment and undermine viable family businesses.

“What we need to see in the Budget is a taxation reduction that will support the new car market and which will be environmentally positive. This will protect jobs, businesses, renew our fleet and reduce emissions.”

'Significant VRT reduction' call from motor trade

Ireland's motor trade is calling for 'significant reduction' in Vehicle Registration Tax in the upcoming Budget, to help the industry return to 'normal sustainable levels', writes Brian Byrne.

The plea comes as August registrations remain at 'disappointing' levels, bringing the year to date reduction in sales to 29pc compared to the same period in 2019.

Society of the Irish Motor Industry Director General Brian Cooke says the industry is now operating at the same business levels as 10 years ago, when the sector shed close to 15,000 jobs.

"The outlook for 2021 is not optimistic, with the negative impact of both Covid and Brexit, new car sales will continue at recession levels," he says in a statement accompanying the August market statistics. "The Motor Industry in Ireland supports employment in local communities throughout the country and to protect these jobs it needs a fair taxation environment in which to operate."

New car registrations for August were down 4.2pc (4,875) when compared to August 2019 (5,088). Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) are down 11pc (1,683) compared to August last year. Year to date used imports are down 45.1pc (39,672) on 2019 (72,214).

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Gillian Fanning is first female President of SIMI

Gillian Fanning

Gillian Fanning, Marketing Director of automotive distributor Serfac Limited, Dublin, was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s AGM held virtually today, writes Trish Whelan. 

Ms Fanning commented that she was ‘looking forward to her term as president, despite the significant challenges currently facing the Industry’.

“The past decade has been difficult for the Irish Motor Industry. Recovery from the 2008 financial crisis has not been in line with economic outlooks and while we had reason to be optimistic at the start of 2020, Covid-19 has since had a devastating impact on our industry.

“Although some of us are back at work since 18 May … we need all elements of the industry operational again. She said SIMI is pressing for the early re-opening of NCT Centres even at a reduced capacity to allow for health and safety protocol and is also making the case for the CVRT system to be fully operational as soon as possible. She added that these are not just business issues but also have important road safety implications.

“The fact that servicing and particularly sales, have been allowed to reopen with the critical July registration period approaching, is welcomed and will help generate revenue that will contribute to protecting the 45,000 employed through the country.”

She added that the continuation of government supports is vital for business and the industry will need additional measures going forward including the extension of the temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme and the cancellation of commercial business rates until such a time as business activity returns to sufficient levels.”

Gillian has extensive motor industry experience serving as Marketing Director of national wholesale automotive distributor Serfac Limited, Chairperson of the SIMI Wholesalers’ Committee and as a member of the Society’s Management Board. Her career to date has also included communications, marketing and change management roles in consultancy and with Guinness, Diageo and Bank of Ireland. 

Motor industry sees 96pc fall in April car registrations

Covid-19 is having an absolutely devastating impact on the Irish Motor Industry with huge drops in sales due to the coronavirus, writes Trish Whelan.

The closure of dealer showrooms has resulted in new car registrations for April down 96pc (344) when compared to April 2019 (8,904).

Retailer’s showrooms have stayed closed since mid-March, and this is impacting heavily on sales. Registrations year to date are down 30.7pc (50,625) on the same period last year (73,030).

The commercial vehicle sector sees Light Commercial vehicles (LCVs) down 87.3pc (229) compared to April last year (1,799) and year to date are down 25.3pc (9,603). Registrations of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are down 67.8pc (98) in comparison to April 2019 (304). Year to date HGVs are down 9.9pc (1,070).

Used car imports for April (199) have seen a decrease of 97.8pc on April 2019 (8,887). Year to date imports are down 50.5pc (17,669) on 2019 (35,719).

The 5 top selling car brands for 2020 were: 1. Toyota, 2. Volkswagen, 3. Hyundai, 4. Skoda, 5. Ford.

The top car models year to date were: 1. Toyota Corolla (pictured above), 2. Hyundai Tucson, 3. Volkswagen Tiguan, 4. Ford Focus, 5. Skoda Octavia.

Diesel has accounted for 43.9pc of sales, Petrol 38.05pc, Hybrid 12.33pc, Electric 3.37pc and Plug-In Hybrid 2.06pc.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, says: “SIMI Members have during the course of the lockdown have been available to assist in emergency and essential call outs. We continue to play our part in keeping vital goods and services moving. However, the registration numbers underline the lack of activity in new vehicle sales and this is replicated for used cars and servicing.”

He added that, while the short-term outlook for the Irish economy is bleak, once the health situation allow, the Motor Industry is ready to get back to work. “Members have used this downtime to implement measures, in accordance with both Industry and State guidelines, that will protect both their employees and customers against the spread of Covid-19. The size of dealerships and the average footfall, for both sales and servicing, lends itself to social distancing. While sanitisation measures being put in place for both premises and vehicles, means that safety and protection are at the top of the agenda.”

Mr Cooke said with the July registration period approaching, the Motor Industry will be well placed to help start activity in the Irish economy. This, he believes has ‘the potential to protect the nearly 50,000 people in employment in the sector, increasing Government Revenues, improving the safety of the cars on Irish roads, while also improving Ireland’s environmental performance by replacing old cars with new or newer cars'.

“In this context, continuation of the current supports and cash flow benefits from Revenue will be important, while additional measures such as the cancelling of rates bills, and reductions in VAT and VRT would be very helpful as would the immediate re-opening of NCT and commercial vehicle test centres.”

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Over 700 attend SIMI Motor Industry Awards

SIMI President Gabriel Keane and Derek McDermott, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance.

The SIMI Irish Motor Industry Annual Dinner and Awards, in partnership with sponsor Bank of Ireland Finance, took place at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin last Thursday evening, with over 700 senior Motor Industry figures present.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General and Derek McDermott, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance presented eight award categories on the night.

The award winners, adjudicated by an independent panel, operate in all sectors of the Irish Motor Industry. Companies selected demonstrated an award-winning level of excellence and best practice over the last 12 months. A special recognition award, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, was presented by Ms Moyagh Murdock CEO of the RSA to Professor Denis Cusack of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety in recognition of his work and commitment to road safety.

Award Winners:

Bodyshop of the Year - Accident Repair Centre (ARC), Dublin 24

Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year - Rathcoole Commercials VTC Ltd, Dublin

Franchised Sales Operation of the Year - Hutton and Meade Ltd, Dublin 15

Independent Sales Operation of the Year - Green Auto Service, Dublin 18

Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year - Donnellan Auto Services, Co Galway

Motor Factor of the Year - Parts for Cars, Dublin 6 partsforcars.ie

Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year - Hamill’s Rentals Ltd, Co Westmeath

Before the announcement, SIMI President Gabriel Keane addressed the audience. He remarked how proud he was of the Irish Motor Industry and the significant contribution motor businesses make to the country. Employing thousands of people, collecting billions in tax, investing in business and technology, providing exceptional customer service, all the while carrying all the risks and challenges of business. The President praised the companies who were shortlisted for each of the SIMI Motor Industry Award categories.

Mr Keane emphasised that we all have a responsibility in preventing global warming. Outlining that the Industry is a critical element in any climate change solution, he called on the Industry to be environmental activists, while at the same time encouraging customers to make the transition from older higher emission cars to lower C02 be it petrol, diesel or hybrid and indeed zero C02 emission cars.

In closing, the President remarked on the Industry’s goal of renewing the national car fleet, which will progress the Irish car fleet moving towards a cleaner environment. He spoke on the importance of unity and a strong industry voice that will deliver a clear message to the future government on industry’s goals.

This is the consecutive year for Bank of Ireland Finance to partner with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Awards to recognise outstanding achievement and excellence within the Industry.

Derek McDermott, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance commented: “Banking, along with the motor industry continues to see changing attitudes to how our customers do business. Continuing to keep customers at the centre of everything is as important now as ever for our franchise partners, Dealers and the team at Bank of Ireland Finance.”

Pictured below are: Brian Cooke, Director General SIMI; Professor Denis Cusack of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety; Moyagh Murdock, CEO Road Safety Authority; and Gabriel Keane, SIMI President.

Women@SIMI told 'grab opportunities with both hands'

Over 160 professional women from a variety of different sectors within the Motor Industry in Ireland attended the Society of the Irish Motor Industry’s 6th annual Women@SIMI event held on Friday, 13 September in the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin, writes Trish Whelan.

This was the largest attendance to date and featured an impressive panel of guest speakers -Breege O’Donoghue, former Primark Board Member & Group Director; Alison Comyn, award-winning TV and broadcast journalist and expert in effective communications. Master of Ceremonies was RTE’s Mary Kennedy.

In his address to the attendees, Gabriel Keane, President of SIMI said: “While there are many challenges currently facing our Industry, we must not lose sight of the contribution made by the 47,300 people that work in the Irish Motor Industry that continue to keep Ireland moving. I am proud to be a part of our dynamic Industry and to be here today to support women in business.

In her talk to the ladies, Breege O’Donoghue advised: “In whatever role one plays in leadership, be true to oneself, show courage, independence, initiative, appreciate the need to recognise, respect and value differences, blend passion, persistence and tenacity. Know right from wrong, be ethically aware, be satisfied with only the very best.” She added: “Do not be clouded in power and status but generous in heart and spirit and yes, it is encouragement and love that inspired people to success and be happy the world over.”

Alison Comyn shared her passionate insight into the world of media with over 25 years of experience in the business. Speaking on the difficulties of journalism today, she felt that it is still a worthwhile and necessary job. “As a journalist you have a responsibility to tell a story and write the truth. The two tenets I like to live by are integrity and principle. Fake news is possibly the worst phrase that we will ever hear in our life time because where is the integrity and what do you leave? Hopefully, there are people trying to pass on to a new generation these principles of truth and morality as they really do matter."

Her advice to all the ladies present was that there is no such word as can’t. “Always be as true to yourself as you possibly can, don’t be afraid to take changes; if the opportunities are there, grab them with both hands and take them. If the opportunities aren’t there, make them for yourself.”

Pictured above are SIMI President Gabriel Keane; Guest Speaker Alison Comyn, IFTA-Winning Journalist and broadcaster; Breege O’Donoghue, former Primark Board Member & Group Director Chair-Business & Human Rights Implementation Group, Real World Analytics, Design & Craft Council Ireland; and Mary Kennedy, Master of Ceremonies.

‘The Govt. must address issue of older UK imports’

Brian Cooke

Ireland has become the dumping ground for older cars the UK doesn’t want’ warns Brian Cooke, Director General, SIMI.

The 192-registration period is generally a time of upturn for new vehicle sales however July has replicated the first six months of the year with new car sales down over 8pc on last year (24,685 this year v 26,958 for July 2018). 

Commenting on the figures, Brian Cooke said ‘there continues to be a surge in used car imports, the majority of which are coming from the UK’. 

“While Brexit is clearly a factor in this increase, Ireland’s taxation system overburdens new cars, causing motorists either to hang on to their older smokier cars or look to the UK for an older import. Over the last three years, we have imported 150,000 cars that don’t meet the latest EU emission standards which in effect means Ireland has become the dumping ground for older cars the UK doesn’t want.”

Mr Cooke said this is not only bad news for Irish retailers and their employees, but is also bad news for Ireland’s environment.

SIMI believe Budget 2020 represents a real opportunity for Government to redress the balance by implementing taxation changes that encourage the sale of new cars and to focus any taxation increases on older used imports. 

“The Irish Motor Industry is committed to playing its part in reducing emissions and the renewal of our national fleet with new and newer cars is key to achieving this. We cannot allow Ireland to continue as the UK’s dumping ground for older more environmentally damaging cars which only improves their environmental performance at the expense of Ireland’s.”

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12,000 Irish Motor Industry jobs ‘under threat’

Economist Jim Power

The Quarterly Motor Industry Review for Q2 of 2019, released by The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), warns that 12,000 Motor Industry jobs here are under threat if the Government fails to adjust VRT bands in the October Budget, writes Trish Whelan. 

The report, composed by economist Jim Power, makes for stark reading. 

Despite the economy performing strongly, the environment for new car sales continues to remain very challenging with new car registrations down 7.4pc (80,712 units) on the back of a rise in used car imports which are up 2.4pc this year (53,119).

Since the announcement of Brexit, both new cars and commercial registrations continue to drop with the exception of electric cars and used car imports. 

External threats such as Brexit uncertainty, greater consumer caution and the ongoing growth of used imports continue to undermine new car sales.

Another factor dampening demand was the increase in the VRT on new cars in last year’s Budget arising from the fact that no allowance was made by the Irish authorities for the first step in the move to the new WLTP testing regime.

Jim Power warned that “If the Government doesn’t adjust VRT bands in Budget 2020 to take account of the WLTP changes, the average price of a new car could rise by at least €2,500.” He added that the price for the more popular mid-range model could rise significantly more and such price increases would have a devastating impact on new car sales.”

He believes the new car market could decline from 125,557 in 2018 to around 115,500 for 2019 and that 2020 could see a decline in new car sales of over 9pc to 105,000 units.

Power further warns “Failure to adjust VRT bands could see the new car market decline to 75,000 which would have a devastating impact on many businesses that barely survived the last recession. This would cost thousands of jobs in towns and cities around the country and would have a very negative impact on the Exchequer revenues. The Motor Industry is a high-risk scenario at the moment and policy makers need to be aware of the risks.”

The report highlights that the surge in used imports is continuing to displace new car sales and is increasing the market penetration of diesel cars in the fleet while also leading to the importation of older, less environmentally friendly cars.

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Motor Industry 'at a cliff edge' - SIMI

"Our Industry is very concerned and angry at the possibility of sleepwalking into another potential 2009," states Brian Cooke, Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.

SIMI warns that the Motor Industry and the motorist are facing the greatest change in taxation since 2009 which undermined both new and used car sales by being too ambitious and seeking to implement change too quickly.

Overnight car values plummeted, new car sales declined and the Industry fell of a cliff. That, together with a recession, resulted in the closure of 150 family businesses, 14,700 jobs lost and over €1 billion in lost revenue for the Exchequer.

The looming Budget 2020 brings a very concerning feeling of Deja vu.

Brian Cooke.

SIMI continues to highlight the need for extreme caution in dealing with motor related taxation in the upcoming Budget, doubly so now that the Budget almost coincides with the Brexit date.

The Economic Statement issued by the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe yesterday outlined that budgetary policy is not a one size fits all, and highlighted the huge difficulty in framing a Budget for next year.

Brian Cooke of SIMI outlines the major concerns facing the Industry.

“In this already fragile business environment for car retailers, it is vital that Budget 2020 recognises the importance of new cars; to the economy in terms of local employment and in terms of tax revenues; and to the environment as the renewal of the Irish car fleet with new vehicles is the only way to make a material and sustainable move to reducing emissions from the private car. Our Industry is very concerned and angry at the possibility of sleepwalking into another potential 2009.

"The State must stop overburdening new cleaner cars with tax, while at the same time ignoring the problem of replacing older cars, which is where the real emissions problems lie. In fact, it’s even worse, the VRT system discriminates against new cars when compared to older used imports. It would appear from various publications that the new car is being lined up as the easy target as if new cars are the main issue. Newer cars have the most up-to-date emission technologies and are less environmentally damaging than older used cars. Uncertainty in the market leads to consumers holding onto their older car or importing an older car that is perceived to be good value.

"With the full move to WLTP emissions testing on the horizon, Budget 2020 must make allowance for the difference between the new and old emission testing systems. Most other EU countries have followed the EU Commission view that consumers should not be faced with increased taxation due to the new emissions testing regime. Ireland should be no different.  We should be selling 150,000 new cars each year, but with threats of Brexit this number has already fallen to 112,000. If a VRT increase is thrown into the mix for 2020, we will see a further fall; history, in particular 2009, tells us what can happen.

"Last week the Government’s Climate Action Plan proposed a transition to zero emission transport, which the Industry fully supports and is proactively engaged in rolling out cleaner technologies. However, it is important to note that this transition is not deliverable in the short-term, as it will take a number of years to achieve, longer than is proposed in the Plan. We require the right measures that focus on gradual change and include sensible policies aimed at encouraging motorists to make the right choices that can lead to clean, affordable and convenient mobility solutions. This can only be achieved by allowing the new car market to flourish in 2020, which has clear environmental and economic benefits".

Mr Cooke concludes by saying: "So let’s not make the mistakes of the past. Progressive changes to VRT should be focused at replacing older cars with new ones. This is the only way to start the transition to a low and ultimately zero-emission free fleet. In that way we will all win, the consumer, the Industry, the Environment, protecting the 47,000 jobs and businesses in our communities.”

Climate Action Plan: Motor Industry Key Stakeholder

Brian Cooke

Commenting on the Government’s Climate Action plan, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said the Motor Industry continues to be supportive of the drive towards zero emissions transport.

“The Climate Action Plan is hugely ambitious and it is important that we get greater clarity on the detail of any proposals, both short term and long term,” he said.

“The Industry is a key stakeholder as the provider of vehicles to this project and welcomes the State’s commitment to supporting the implementation of an extensive nationwide charging infrastructure that will support the roll-out of these vehicles.”

He said the plan underlines the big growth in zero-emitting vehicles will happen from 2024 onward, and in that context, it’s important that the State and the Industry start talking now to consider policies that will support change both pre and post 2024.

“Lessons have to be learnt from the past, when dramatic changes to the taxation systems contributed to extensive job losses in the Industry, and any short-term changes must support the new car market and not undermine used car values.”

He added that in the short term, any changes should be gradual, as implementing measures too quickly can undermine used car values which will only make it more difficult for motorists to change to a new lower emitting car, which would ultimately hinder the drive towards zero-emissions.

So far this year 1,949 new electric vehicles have been registered which is a 58.1pc increase on total registrations in 2018 (1,233). 

The SIMI Director General said the incentives are working well as registrations continue to grow. He called on the Government to extend the current incentives that are in place, including the VRT relief, the grant scheme and the BIK benefit, out beyond the current expiry date of 2021. 

“Change can happen with the right measures, but cannot happen overnight, and sensible policies aimed at encouraging motorists to make the right choices can lead to clean affordable and convenient mobility solutions.”

Gabriel Keane is new SIMI President

Gabriel Keane, who is Managing Director and owner of Kia Liffey Valley in Dublin, was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s AGM held recently in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, writes Trish Whelan.

At the AGM, he commented that he has experienced the highs and lows of the industry. “Some great years and some terrible years. And unfortunately, 2019 will not go down in the annals as a great year.

“Over the last three years we have seen the new car market decline by nearly 25pc. Obviously, Brexit was the main cause of this downturn and while we are by no means out of the woods on Brexit, there is a feeling that a softer Brexit may become a reality. I believe that if this happens, we will see growth in the new car market in 2020.”

Another cause of this decline is because of the increases in Vehicle Registration taxes in the last budget. Mr Keane remarked that the result is that the Government’s tax take on new cars will be down this year despite the tax increases. This, he said, is a loss for the industry and also for the Exchequer.

He added that achieving a better taxation regime for cars and having environmentally cleaner cars on our roads is a key objective for the SIMI. He called on the Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to take this into account in the next budget in October by implementing any changes in vehicle taxation that will allow the Industry sell more new cars next year.

Having joined the Motor Industry nearly 30 years ago, Gabriel has gained extensive experience. His previous roles included Director of Nissan Ireland and Managing Director for the Windsor Motors. In 2014 he established Kia Liffey Valley which has become the largest Kia dealership in Ireland and one of the top ten Kia dealers in Europe.

Mr Keane thanked the members of the Society for allowing him the honour of being President and said he looks forward to serving the members in the coming year.

Motor Industry to recruit 150 apprentices

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) is looking to recruit 150 apprentices throughout Ireland. Apprenticeships include Motor Mechanics, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Vehicle Body Repairs, Agricultural Mechanics, and Construction Plant Fitting, writes Trish Whelan.

The announcement that SIMI’s member companies have committed to recruiting this number of apprentices was made today at the Intreo Careers Fair in Dublin Castle.

In order to undertake an apprenticeship a candidate must find a suitable employer to take them on for the duration of their four-year apprenticeship. They then register with SOLAS who oversee the training programme and award of the National Craft Certificate Standard.

The Motor Industry employs over 42,000 people throughout Ireland in a variety of positions. While there is currently a shortage of apprentices within the industry, this has also been seen in other trade sectors.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General Designate said today: “This is a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to pursue a technical career while experiencing both a colleague and a working environment. With the transition underway to cutting edge automotive technologies such as electric cars, hybrid vehicles, and autonomous vehicles, gather pace there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the Industry.”

Regina Doherty TD, Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection was present at the announcement. She said there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the Industry.

Note: 

Apprentice positions available: https://www.simi.ie/en/careers-overview/careers

Apprentice information available: http://www.apprenticeship.ie/en/apprentice/Pages/ApprenticeInfo.aspx?anchor=Motor

10 Industry Awards presented at SIMI’s Annual Dinner

Open to all sectors of the Irish Motor Industry, ten Award Categories in total were presented at SIMI’s Annual Dinner Industry Awards last evening by Brian Cooke, Director General Designate of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, and Derek McDermott, Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance, the event sponsors.

The winners were those companies that had demonstrated an award-winning level of excellence and best practice over the last 12 months, as adjudicated by an independent panel.

A special recognition award, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, was presented to the Gardai Press Office for their contribution towards road safety.

Director General Alan Nolan received a special recognition award for outstanding service, with 40 years service to SIMI. 

Pictured above are SIMI President Gerard O’Farrell, Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn; Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive Road Safety Authority; Andrew McLindon, Garda Press Office; Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General Designate.

Category Award Winners on the night were

• Franchised Sales Operation of the Year - Tom Murphy Car Sales, Waterford
• Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year- Kevin Egan Cars, Sligo
• Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year- Fitzgerald Commercial Ltd, Co Cork
• Independent Sales Operation of the Year- Auto Assure Ltd, Co. Louth
• Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year- Autokey, Dublin 22
• Innovation in Fleet Management Solutions- Provision Vehicle Cameras Dublin 15
• Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year- Dysart Breakdown Recovery Repairs Ltd t/a Dysart Motors Co. Laois
• Bodyshop of the Year- Pratt's Auto Bodyshop, Carlow
• Innovation in Bodyshop Operation - Accident Repair Centre, Dublin 24
• Motor Factor of the Year- Parts for Cars, Dublin 6

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