The economic impact of foot-and-mouth, the technology downturn and the events of September 11th accounted for a drop in car sales by 4,000 in 2001, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry has estimated.
New car sales were down in 2001 compared to the previous two years, provisional figures show. However, the SIMI chief executive, Mr Cyril McHugh, said that despite the turbulence caused by these events, last year was the third-best year for new car sales, and that the future was bright for the industry.
There were 164,750 new cars sold in 2001, marking a 28 per cent drop on the 2000 figure, which was exceptional in the industry.
The introduction of car testing and the attraction offered by the 00 plate boosted sales in 2000 by about 60,000.