Bumper July for new car registrations in Ireland
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has reported that new car registrations in Ireland for July rose 8.63% year-on-year to 29,046 units.
Year-to-date registrations have been recorded at 114,228, a 5.2% increase on the same period in 2025.
However, light commercial vehicles decreased by six per cent in July to 5,744 units, but remain 9.3% higher for the year, while heavy goods vehicles rose 14.2% in July and are down 2.2% for the year.
The rise in new car sales has been driven by electric vehicles, with sales rising 98% from 4,898 registrations in July 2025 to 9,682. So far this year, 29,840 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 61% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Brian Cooke, SIMI director general, said: “The highlight of the market is clearly the performance of electric vehicle sales, achieving record-breaking results, with 9,682 registered in July. This is the highest monthly BEV sales ever achieved. Battery electric vehicles were not just the most popular engine type for July; they have now overtaken hybrid cars as the most popular for the year to date with 29,840 units registered, a 61% increase on last year, and now account for 26% of Ireland’s new car market.
“This increase would not have been achieved without government supports. In particular, the government’s pilot scrappage scheme, introduced in July, along with the existing grant supports, have helped build on market momentum.
“The record increase is proof that incentives work, not just in urban areas, but also for rural motorists who received the majority of scrappage grants. The current incentives are fundamental to market growth, and SIMI are calling for their retention and extension in Budget 2027.”
