More than 4,000 new cars registered with ‘142’ plates

Some 4,264 new cars were registered yesterday, the first day of the new ‘142’ registration plate, a 120 per cent increase on the 1,924 which were registered on the same day in 2013. In addition, 292 new vans were sold, compard to 138 on the same day last year.

Alan Nolan, director general of SIMI , the representative body for the motor industry, said that it hadn't expected "such a good start compared to last year. In fact, yesterday has turned out to be the highest day for new car registrations this year and nobody expected that."

However, Mr Nolan cautioned that car sales are coming off a low base.

“It is clear that an increasing number of consumers are returning to the market. Dealers are currently competing for customers with strong new car offers and a wider range of finance options and it’s evident that consumers are seeing the benefit of the new mid-year registration period. Overall, it is a sign that we’re seeing an improvement in the economy.”