New car sales in Laois in August were down just over 4% on the same month last year, in line with figures across the country as the motor industry struggles to recover in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
There were 68 cars sold in Laois in August according to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), down from 71 last year.
Nationally there were 4,875 new car sales recorded, down from 5,088 12 months ago.
Across the country, car sales are down 28.6% compared to the first eight months of last year though in Laois the figures aren’t quite as bad, with a drop of 15.87%.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting on the market figurers said: “August represents another disappointing month for new car sales, with sales again down on the same month last year, as they have been each month of 2020.
“This has led a year to date reduction of 29% in new car sales, and a 43% reduction over the last four years.
“The industry is operating at the same business levels as 10 years ago, when the sector shed close to 15,000 jobs.
“The outlook for 2021 is not optimistic, with the negative impact of both COVID and BREXIT, new car sales will continue at recession levels.
“The Motor Industry in Ireland supports employment in local communities throughout the country and to protect these jobs it needs a fair taxation environment in which to operate.
“With Budget 2021 only weeks away, now is the time for a significant reduction in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT).
“This would enable the car market return to normal sustainable levels that would not only save jobs, but increase overall tax take and help renew the Irish car fleet, reducing both the age of the fleet and emissions from transport.”
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