There were 205 new cars sold in Laois during the second month of the year, up over 4% from the 196 sold in February 2024 according to figures released by the Society for the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
While the car industry will welcome the 4.5% rise, it is significantly less than the increase seen in February 2024, which saw a rise of 21% here in Laois.
The last four months of 2024 saw the new car market slow down to a snail’s pace, with minimal year-on-year growth, with that trend continuing through to the 4% rise in January and this 4.5% rise in February.
Nationally, however, new car registrations for February (14,002) were down almost 15% on the February 2024 figure (16,432).
This is a sharp shift following a 7% rise seen nationwide in January.
Electric Vehicle (EV) sales experienced a record-breaking month in January of 2025 with a 20% increase compared to 2024 representing the highest nationwide sales recorded to date.
EV’s continued to trend upwards in February, with sales up almost 36% nationwide compared to the same month in 2024, while the figures for Laois increased a remarkable 47%.
Petrol Electric Hybrids were up almost 10% nationwide with Petrol/Plug-In Electric Hybrids up 46% and Diesel/Plug-In Electric Hybrids jumping a whopping 211%.
In Laois, Petrol Electric Hybrids were up 83% and Petrol/Plug-In Electric Hybrids up 60%, however, Diesel Electric Hybrids are down over 90%.
Diesel cars were the most popular choice in Laois during February, with sales up almost 38% on the 2024 figure.
Petrol cars were the most popular choice nationwide, despite a decline of more than 33% compared to last February.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke addressed the startling national decline, but found a silver lining in the continuing rise in EV market.
“Following a strong start in January, new car registrations have seen some retraction in February, with registrations declining by 15%, while year to date registrations are now marginally behind last year,” Mr Cooke said.
“However, going against this trend has been electric vehicles, with an increase in EV sales of 36% in February to 2,524 units, with private consumers, who benefit from the SEAI Grant, contributing two thirds of EV sales this year.
“The importance of Government supports is key to maintaining this momentum, particularly with a greater range of EVs coming on stream.”
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