Official statistics released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that new car sales reached 82,882 for the year and registrations for the month of March were up 14%.

Sales of new cars reached 21,597 compared to March 2015 (18,933). Total new car registrations year to date currently 28% ahead of the same period last year (64,519). The Nissan Qashqai was the best selling model for March, the Hyundi Tucson leads the field for 2016 andToyota is the number one brand for the year so far.

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV), were up 21% (3,435) compared to March 2015 (2,838), with registrations up 34% (13,461) year to date. With HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) showing March registrations (312) were up 29% compared to the same month last year (241) and are up 63% year to date.

Commenting on the figurers SIMI Director General Alan Nolan said: “The increase in new car sales has continued for the month of March. While the stats show a lower percentage increase for the month it is important to put this into context, as the sales period for March 2016 had two trading days less than in 2015, with Easter having fallen in April last year. Even with this, the increase in sales across all sectors has continued upwards and it is encouraging to see consumers and businesses investing in their vehicles again.”     
          
Top Selling Makes for the Year 2016:
1) Toyota
2) Hyundai
3)Volkswagen
4) Ford
5) Nissan

Top Selling Models for the Year 2016
1) Hyundai Tucson
2) Volkswagen Golf
3) Ford Focus
4) Nissan Qashqai
5) Skoda Octavia