The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has published the latest statistics on new vehicle registrations in Ireland for June. In comparison to June 2022, new car registrations increased by 39.0%, reaching a total of 2,994 registrations. Year to date, there has been an overall increase of 18.8%, with a total of 77,488 new car registrations, surpassing last year’s figure of 65,211.

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) also experienced remarkable growth, with a 72.54% rise in June 2023 compared to the previous year. HGV registrations rose by 28.4% in June 2023, while HGVs experienced a 34.9% increase in registrations year to date. On the other hand, imported used cars saw a slight decline of 2.6% in June 2023. However, year to date imports have risen by 3.81%.

The most significant growth has been observed in electric vehicles, with 1,441 new registrations in June 2023 compared to 188 in June 2022, marking an astounding increase of 666.49%. From January to June 2023, a total of 14,307 new electric cars were registered, reflecting a 69.39% rise compared to the same period last year. The market share of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hybrids has been steadily increasing and now stands at 43.63% year to date. Petrol remains the dominant fuel type with a market share of 31.85%, followed by diesel at 21.87%. Electric vehicles hold a market share of 18.46%, while hybrids and plug-in electric hybrids account for 17.37% and 7.80%, respectively. These statistics illustrate the growing popularity of electric vehicles in Ireland’s car market.

Commenting on the trends, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said “The new car market performed strongly in June with registrations 39% ahead of the same month last year. While year to date new car registrations are still 4% behind pre-COVID 2019, the gap is closing every month, aided by fulfilment of 2022 orders and improved new vehicle supply. June in particular saw a significant boost in electric car sales, with 1,441 registrations during the month, in comparison to 188 units in June 2022, no doubt as a result of EV buyers wanting to avail of the full SEAI Grant of €5,000, which is to be reduced from July 1st. Year to date the EV market has exceeded 14,000 cars, an increase of 69% on last year. It should be highlighted that there still is a significant basket of incentive for EV buyers, including ongoing purchase and home charger grant support, VRT relief for many EVs, as well as low annual road tax. These supports, along with an increasing number of EV models coming to market, should ensure strong new car activity as we enter the 232 registration plate sales period. Going forward we need to maintain these incentives as well as an attractive BIK incentive for businesses, if we want to build on the momentum that is clearly there in the EV market.”