The number of new car sales in Laois fell in August, down almost 10% compared to the same month in 2023, according to figures released by the Society for the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
85 new cars were recorded as sold here in August compared to the 93 sold 12 months ago.
After a 6.5% rise in July, a fall of 8.6% in August will be cause for concern as car sales tend to decline later in the year.
Nationally, new car sales fell similarly by 8.7%, dropping from 8,261 in August of 2023 to 7,544 for the same month this year.
This is almost 20,000 less new cars than were sold in July.
August is the sixth month in a row to show a national decline, a trend that has not been seen for over five years.
Diesel cars overtook petrol as the most popular choice in Laois, as well as nationally, during the month of August.
The spread in Laois saw 25 new diesel cars, down almost 30% on 2023, 24 Petrol Electric Hybrids, up a massive 167% from the nine sold last year, with 21 petrol cars, one less than 2023.
The sales of new electric cars continue to plummet, with only 13 sold in Laois this August, and 1,256 nationally, down almost 30% from August 2023.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke continues his calls from July and June for the Government to intervene with support in the upcoming budget.
“August represents the sixth consecutive month of falling new car registrations this year, highlighted by the continuing drop in Electric Vehicle (EV) sales,” Mr Cooke said.
“With Budget 2025 fast approaching, it is an opportune time for the Government to intervene to support the Electric Vehicle project, one which is so crucial for reducing emissions in the Transport sector.
“Government incentives to date have been fundamental to the EV transition, but they have to be continued and enhanced.
“SIMI is urging the Government to: extend the Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) incentive at current levels, which will help transition the business fleet faster and support the development of a used EV market; increase SEAI Grants back to 2022 levels until the EV market recovers; and accelerate the roll out of a fit for purpose national charging infrastructure.
“At this crucial stage in the EV transition, these measures will increase the sale of EVs, signalling their importance to consumers, boosting confidence and reassurance in electric vehicles.
“Budget 2025 presents an opportunity for Government to demonstrate its commitment to fleet electrification and is an opportunity they should not miss.”
