Figures show that car registrations decreased by 25% in last year

DUBLIN: A total of 88,324 cars were registered in Ireland in 2020 according to the latest figures from Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). That means the number of new cars registered last year has dropped by 25%.

More than 43% of new cars were diesel and nearly 37% were petrol. Almost 12% were hybrid and more than 4.5% were electric. SIMI also revealed that a total of 4,013 electric cars were sold last year.

Figures show a 30% drop in the number of imported used cars last year.

Used car imports have increased in recent years as consumers shop around for value. But Brexit will further affect the import of used cars from the Britain, subject to customs declarations and additional taxes.

SIMI expects the implementation of Level 5 restrictions to further affect sales this year.

Meanwhile, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said that car dealerships are open for business operating clicks and collect services, as well as repairs and services.

However, he added that it is crucial that the current restrictions succeed so that business and society can return to normal.

According to figures published by SIMI, Volkswagen was the best-selling car brand in 2020. The other top selling car brands of 2020 are: Toyota, Hyundai, Skoda and Ford.

Toyota Corolla was last year’s best-selling car model. Other best-selling car models include Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Kona.