The Volkswagen I.D. 3 is selling well
The Volkswagen I.D. 3 is selling well

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released their official new vehicle registrations statistics for Ireland in October 2020. According to the data, new car registrations for October saw an increase of 6.2% (2,315) when compared to October 2019 (2,179).

But registrations year to date are still down 25.2% (86,870) on the same period last year (116,124).

Used car imports for October (9,315) have seen a decrease of 18.7% on October 2019 (11,457). While year to date imports are down 37.7% (58,504) on 2019 (93,892).

The top five bestselling car brands so far in 2020 are 1. Volkswagen, 2. Toyota, 3. Hyundai, 4. Skoda, and 5. Ford.

The top five bestselling car models so far in 2020 are 1. Toyota Corolla, 2. Hyundai Tucson, 3. Volkswagen Tiguan, 4. Ford Focus, and 5. Hyundai Kona.

The bestselling car in October 2020 was the Volkswagen I.D. 3.

Diesel still makes up the majority of new car sales at 43.1%, followed by petrol at 37.12%, hybrid at 11.93%, electric at 4.45% and plug-in hybrid at 2.78%.

Light Commercials Vehicles (LCV) are up 56.2% (1,667) compared to October last year (1,067) and year to date are down 15.3% (20,587). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are up 15.7% (155) in comparison to October 2019 (134). However, year to date HGVs are down 21.5% (1,951).

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:
“October new car and light commercial vehicle registrations are broadly in line with the same month last year. However, like many other retail sectors, overall this year has been hugely difficult due to COVID-19, with new car sales down 25% year to date. With car showrooms closed for the next number of weeks due to Government COVID-19 restrictions, retailers have been enhancing their online presence, particularly with the month of November being the key selling period for forward orders for the new registration plate in January. Manufacturers and retailers are already offering generous incentives for customers to buy a new car. With the ongoing impact of COVID and the impending Brexit deadline fast approaching it is vital that the Government continue to support business in this uncertain trading environment.”