New car sales continued to plateaue in Laois during October, with the number almost stagnant from the same month in 2023 according to figures released by the Society for the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
27 new cars were sold in the tenth month of 2024, an increase of just one on last year.
It brings the total number of new cars sold in Laois so far this year to 1,414.
Sales figures were also stagnant in September as the autumnal trend continues locally.
Nationally, however, new car sales finally increased from the 2023 figure, with 2,420 cars sold, up 9.6% from the 2,208 sold last year.
This will be a huge relief to the industry as it brings to an and a prolonged period of decline, with 2024 sales figures down on their 2023 counterparts for the past seven months, stretching as far back as March.
Volkswagen has been the most popular car sold in Laois so far in 2024 followed by Kia, Skoda, Toyota and Ford.
Petrol cars were the most popular choice in Laois in October, up 43% on the 2023 figure and overtaking diesel cars, which been the the top sellers her for the previous three months.
Only eight diesel cars sold this October, although that is an increase of almost 15% on last year.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been declining on an alarming scale throughout 2024, with October showing a 50% decline in Laois compared to 2023.
Nationally, however, EV’s had made a stunning surge, becoming the most popular new cars sold in Ireland during October of 2024, making up 22% of all cars sold across the country.
Despite this, EV sales are still down over 12% on 2023 sales. Petrol cars are down to the second-most popular cars nationally, followed by diesel, which is up 9% on last year as they continue to show a resurgence.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said: “The data also shows the continuing decline in sales of Electric Vehicles, with EV sales for the month 12% lower than October last year.
“This marks the ninth consecutive month of decline in electric vehicle registrations which is clearly a worrying trend.
“Year to date EV registrations are now 25% lower than 2023.
“The decline in EV sales emphasises the need for continued Government supports and initiatives to boost sales in this market segment.”
Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie said: “The goal of having 945,000 electric vehicles on the road by the end of the decade is unrealistic.
“EV sales in Ireland have dropped off significantly this year, and trends show that the government’s ambitious 2030 targets are not going to be met.
“So far in 2024, 14% of all new cars licensed for the first time were electric. This is compared with 19% in the same period last year.”
