The number of new cars registered in the Irish market fell by 1 per cent in 2024, according to new figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (Simi).
A total of 121,195 vehicles were registered during the year, compared with 122,400 in 2023.
Electric vehicles declined almost 24 per cent compared with 2023, with 17,459 registered. That decline was largely signalled by monthly sales figures throughout the year, as concerns over charging infrastructure and changes to the grant for electric vehicles chilled consumer demand.
The registration of imported used cars were up 21.4 per cent at 61,583.
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“There has however been some tentative signs of a turnaround in EV sales towards the end of 2024, and the industry is anticipating an increase in EV sales in 2025,” said Brian Cooke, Simi Director General. “The start of the new registration period, 251, this week, is an optimistic time for the Irish motor industry. With the variety of incentives and offers from retailers and manufacturers it is a good time for customers to shop for a new or used car.”
Petrol cars still accounted for the largest share of the market, at 30.3 per cent, while diesel cars accounted for almost 23 per cent and hybrid close to 21 per cent. Electric cars, meanwhile, were 14.4 per cent of the market, and plug-in hybrids accounted for 10 per cent.
There has also been a shift towards automatic vehicles, with manual transmissions declining to 33.8 per cent of the market.
Hatchbacks remained the most popular body type of car registered in 2024, with Toyota topping the list of brands and grey proving the most popular colour. The Hyundai Tucson was the most popular model of car registered during the year.
The number of new light commercial vehicles registered was 7 per cent higher at 30,786, while new heavy commercial vehicle registrations rose 8 per cent to 2,865.
Mr Cooke said the growth in commercial vehicles sales underlined the growth in employment and activity across the Irish economy.
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