April car sales figures released by the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that registrations were down 3.6% (8,591) when compared to April 2023 (8,912).

Registrations year to date are up 6.0% (71,110) on the same period last year (67,063). 

In April 1,091 new electric cars were registered, which was 41.4% lower than the 1,863 registrations in April 2023.

So far this year 9,028 new electric cars have been registered which is a 19.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 when 11,160 electric cars were registered.

Light Commercial vehicles (LCVs) increased by 3.0% (2,212) compared to April last year (2,148). Year to date LCVs are up 29.0% (17,543). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are up 37.2% (332) in comparison to April 2023 (242). Year to date HGVs are up 19.5% (1,442).

Imported Used Cars have seen an 35.6% (5,206) rise in April 2024, when compared to April 2023 (3,838). Year to date imports are up 26.9% (20,694) on 2023 (16,311).

In the new car market share by engine type for 2024, Petrol cars lead the new car market at 32.92%, followed by Diesel at 23.56%, then Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 20.44%, Electric at 12.70%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 8.76%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting: “April new car registrations saw a decrease of 3.6%, when compared to the same month last year. Despite the softening in demand for new cars in recent weeks, year to date new car sales remain 6% ahead of 2023. Sales of light and heavy commercial vehicles continued to grow both in April and year to date. The Electric Vehicle segment experienced another month of decline in registrations, a trend which is being replicated across most EU markets. With the supply of new EVs no longer an issue, and with an increasing number of brands and models present in the EV segment, the drop in EV sales is demand driven. In Ireland private consumers have been the key drivers of the EV market, and these buyers need greater re-assurances to be convinced to make the change. This means rapid investment by the Government in a reliable, convenient, and affordable electric charging infrastructure, while at the same time extending current incentives such as the purchase grant. For businesses and their employees, extension of the Benefit-In Kind (BIK) relief and thresholds at current levels beyond 2024, will create greater confidence that an EV is the right choice for their companies.”

Top Selling New Car Brands 2024 were:

1. TOYOTA

2. SKODA

3. VOLKSWAGEN

4. HYUNDAI

5. KIA    

Top New Car Model’s 2024 were:

1. HYUNDAI TUCSON

2. SKODA OCTAVIA

3. KIA SPORTAGE

4. TOYOTA RAV 4

5. TOYOTA YARIS CROSS

Top Selling Car (April) 2024: HYUNDAI TUCSON

Market share by engine type 2024: Petrol 32.92%, Diesel 23.56%, Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 20.44%, Electric 12.70%, Plug-In Electric Hybrid 8.76%