Car Showrooms open as retailers gear up for business.

Car Showrooms open as retailers gear up for business.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today (December 1^st 2020) released their official new vehicle registrations statistics. New car registrations for November seen an increase of 20.11% (914) when compared to November 2019 (761). While registrations year to date are down 25.0% (87,728) on the same period last year (116,885).

Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) are down 3.2% (830) compared to November last year (857) and year to date are down 14.8% (21,431). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are down 30.5% (82) in comparison to November 2019 (118). Year to date HGV’s are down 21.9% (2,038).

​​​​​​​Used car imports for November (8,647) have seen a decrease of 13.6% on November 2019 (10,008). While year to date imports are down 35.4% (67,151) on 2019 (103,900).

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:
“While the registration numbers year to date highlight the extremely difficult trading conditions, down 25% on last year and 40% since 2016, today Ireland moves out of Level 5 restrictions which sees motor retailers re-open their vehicle sales functions. SIMI members operate with large well-ventilated showrooms and this along with the ability to display vehicles in an outdoor setting allow for business to be done in a very low risk environment for the transmission of COVID-19, making them safe for both customers and staff. With the key New Year selling period only weeks away, this re-opening comes at an opportune time. The use of digital platforms during the lockdown has provided an important shop window for customers looking to buy a new or used car and with Vehicle Manufacturers and retailers offering generous incentives to buy a new “211” car, the Industry is hopeful that activity will be brisk in the coming weeks and months ahead.”

2020 Total New Vehicle Stats;

· New car sales year to date (2020) 87,728 v (2019) 116,885 -25.0%

· New car sales total November (2020) 914 v (2019) 761 +20.11%

· Light Commercial Vehicles sales year to date (2020) 21,431 v (2019) 25,161 -14.8%

· Light Commercial Vehicles sales total November (2020) 830 v (2019) 857 -3.2%

· Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales year to date (2020) 2,038 v (2019) 2,610 -21.9%

· Heavy Goods Vehicle sales total November (2020) 82 v (2019) 118 -30.5%

· Used Car Imports total year to date (2020) 67,151 v (2019)103,900 -35.4%

· Used Car Imports total November (2020) 8,647 v (2019) 10,008 -13.6%

· Electric Vehicle sales year to date (2020) 3,928 v (2019) 3,413 +15.09%

· Electric Vehicles Car total November (2020) 61 v (2019) 193 -68.39%

· 5 Top Selling Car Brands 2020 were: 1. Volkswagen 2. Toyota 3. Hyundai 4. Skoda 5.Ford

· 5 Top car model’s year 2020 were 1.Toyota Corolla 2.Hyundai Tucson 3.Volkswagen Tiguan 4.Ford Focus 5.Hyundai Kona

· Top Selling Car November 2020: Hyundai Tucson

· Market share by engine type 2020: Diesel 43.22% Petrol 36.98% Hybrid 11.91%, Electric 4.48%, Plug-in Hybrid 2.79%