Ireland's new car market continues to bounce back, as another 20% increase in sales during the month of February - on top of a buoyant January - has helped to boost the country's struggling retail sector. A total of 12,754 new cars were registered in February, with a further 1,869 new commercial vehicles ensuring the market remains on course for 100,000 sales in 2014.

While the car market is generating most headlines, it's the growth in sales of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) that is sparking the most optimism in business circles, as SMEs continue to invest for the future. In each of the first two months of the year, the LCV market has grown by a colossal 41% to boost the growing feel good factor in showrooms around the country.

Ford once again leads the commercial vehicle market for the year to date - as they have done for 24 of the past 25 years - and the Cork-based manufacturer says that resurgent vehicle sales can play a leading role in Ireland's continued economic recovery.

"A sustained increase in new car sales is fantastic news for our industry and it's giving a lot of hope and encouragement to dealers who have endured a really tough time in recent years," says Ford Ireland chief Eddie Murphy.

"In a way though, it's the growth in new commercial sales that is the greatest cause for optimism as it reflects how companies, SMEs in particular, are feeling," he went on. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy so if they are feeling positive, if they are investing in new vans and trucks, if they are spending money, that's a very good sign.

"Our success in the commercial market is down to an outstanding product line-up," Mr Murphy explained. "The Ford Transit remains the country's most popular LCV, with the Focus Van, Fiesta Van, Transit Connect and Transit Custom also performing strongly."

In addition to leading the commercial market, Ford has also posted a strong car market share with two cars - Focus and Fiesta - in the top 5 best-sellers.