Ireland’s new car registrations slipped by 14.1pc to 21,213 units in July, a key month for the commencement of new 202-registration, compared to 24,681 units in the prior year month, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
Registration for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) dropped by 5.5pc to 4,438 units from 4,697 units in prior year month, while registrations for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) rose by 2.8pc to 258 units from 251 units registered in the prior year period. However, in Jan-July period, HGVs fell by 28.8pc to 1,461 units.
In Jan-July 2020, the registrations fell by 29.8pc to 74,069 units, compared to 105,439 units over the prior year period.
Used car imports in July slid by 6.8pc to 8,744 units from 9,382 units in July 2019, while in Jan-July period, the imports registered a fall by 49.6pc to 31,531 units, as against 62,508 units.
Going ahead, SIMI predicts new car sales to witness a 44pc fall for the fourth consecutive year amid slowdown which is likely to weaken the renewal of the National car fleet. This could hamper the country’s efforts to curb transport emissions along with profitability and regional employment.