New car sales on the increase in County Roscommon

New car registrations in County Roscommon were up 17.89% when compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

The figures show that 481 vehicles were registered in the county in the January-February period, up from 408 on the same period in 2023.

Nationally registrations year to date are up 18.3% (47,882) on the same period last year (40,466).

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) increased by 36.8% (3,515) compared to February last year (2,569). Year to date LCVs are up 35.6% (10,987). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are up 14.2% (305) in comparison to February 2023 (267). Year to date HGVs are up 10.3% (763).

Imported used cars have seen a 24% (4,945) rise in February 2024, when compared to February 2023 (3,989). Year to date imports are up 32.1% (10,270) on 2023 (7,775).

In February 1,866 new electric cars were registered, which was 15.5% lower than the 2,207 registrations in February 2023. So far this year 5,968 new electric cars have been registered which is a 1.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023 when 5,885 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type for 2024, petrol cars continue to lead the new car market at 32.97%. Diesel is next at 23.76%, then hybrid (petrol electric) at 21.51%, electric at 12.46%, and plug-in electric hybrid at 7.76%.

The top 5 selling car brands so far in 2024 are Toyota, Skoda, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Kia with the top five new car models being Hyundai Tuson, Kia Sportage, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Rav and Toyota Yaris Cross.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General noted that "new car registrations for February show a 25% increase on the same month last year, and year to date are now 18% ahead of 2023. Supply chain issues prevalent at the start of 2023 are no longer impacting on sales. Registrations of light commercial vehicles also show a positive start to the year, up over a third on last year. Electric vehicle (EVs) registrations are down on February last year and are only marginally ahead of the first two months of 2023."