There were 189 new cars sold in Laois during March, up a remarkable 39% from the 136 sold in the same month of 2024 according to figures released by the Society for the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
That percentage figure is almost ten times higher than the 4% year-on-year comparisons seen in both February and January.
The 39% increase is also well ahead of the 26% increase seen in March of 2024.
The industry will welcome the rise, following six consecutive months of minimal year-on-year growth in the new car market.
Nationally, new car registrations for March (17,316) were up over 18% on the 2024 figure (14,644).
The March figure is a major boost for the industry following a 15% drop in February.
The total number of new cars sold nationwide also increased significantly in March, with over 3,000 more sales than February.
The strong performance in March meant the first quarter of the year has seen new car registrations increase by 4% compared to the first three months of 2024.
Electric Vehicle (EV) sales experienced are in the midst of a record-breaking period.
Following nationwide increases of 20 in January and 36% in February, the figure for March saw 28% increase, up from 1,980 to 2,537
Petrol Electric Hybrids were up almost 48% nationwide with Petrol/Plug-In Electric Hybrids up 70%.
In Laois, EVs were up 164% in March with Petrol Electric Hybrids up 87.5% and Petrol/Plug-In Electric Hybrids up 130%.
Diesel cars were again the most popular choice in Laois last month with sales up 38.5% on the 2024 figure.
Nationwide, Petrol cars were also kept their place as the most popular choice, despite a decline of almost 1.5% compared to last March.
SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said: “Electric Vehicle sales have rebounded since the start of the year growing by 29% in March, to a total of 2,544 units, while year to date they stand at 9,978 units, capturing 15% of the market.
“In addition to the positive news on EVs, the market performance has been driven by an increase in the sales of hybrid cars, which when combined with EVs account for 55% of the market.
“On the other hand, Light Commercial Vehicle registrations have seen another month of decline with a 13% decrease in LCV sales this quarter and Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are down 6% year to date.
“This decline in commercial registrations highlights the current uncertain economic climate.”
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