New car sales down despite 132 plate

New car sales for the first seven months of the year, are down almost nine per cent on the corresponding period last year despite the advent on the 132 plate.

New car sales for the first six months of the year totalled 64,866 down from 71, 142 units for the same perid in 2012.

New car sales had dropped-off in June in anticipation of the new plate but the total for the three months May, June and July exceeded the same three months last year by nearly four per cent, which is being seen by the trade as a positive endorsement of the 132 plate.

Alan Nolan, Director General of SIMI commented “Sales of cars on the new 132 plate have exceeded the Industry’s expectations. We have consistently said that this is a long-term project, seeking to shift some activity into the second half of the year, and honestly we expected it would take a number of years for car buyers to embrace. In reality though there was huge interest from the public in the new number plate from the very start and this has translated into a very strong level of sales during the month. The value of the new plate has even been recognised by commercial vehicle buyers with both Heavy and Light Commercials showing a strong increase this month as well. The figures speak for themselves and the offers and incentives from both distributors and dealers encouraged consumers to buy this July. With many offers now extended there is no sign of interest fading just yet and with footfall in showrooms continuing, we hope the momentum continues during August.”