Fueling Up: Limerick’s Surge in Car Registrations
According to recently released data from the Society for the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), car registrations in Limerick have experienced a notable increase compared to the same period last year. From January to October 2023, a total of 3,764 new cars were registered in Limerick, reflecting a positive growth trend. This figure surpasses last year’s record of 3,540 new car registrations in the Treaty county.
Notably, the surge in new car registrations is not limited to traditional vehicles. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Limerick has also shown significant progress. Within the first ten months of 2023, 580 new electric vehicles were registered in the city, surpassing the 419 registered during the same period in 2022, demonstrating an increasing shift towards sustainable transportation.
While nationally, new car registrations experienced a 16.8% decline for the month of October compared to the previous year, the overall trend for the year shows a positive growth rate of 15.6% across Ireland from January to October.
The top five best-selling car brands in Ireland include Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Skoda, and Kia, while the most sought-after models are the Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris Cross, and the Volkswagen ID4. These figures highlight the preferences of Irish consumers when it comes to choosing their vehicles.
SIMI director Brian Cooke emphasized that although there was a decline in new car registrations and electric vehicle sales in October, the underlying EV market remains strong. Year-to-date figures show a 46% increase in electric vehicle registrations compared to 2022, with electric vehicles now representing a noteworthy 18.5% of the new car market.
The growth in new car registrations, particularly in the EV sector, is largely attributed to the support from private consumers, who make up the majority of electric vehicle sales. Furthermore, the recent extension of VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) and BIK (Benefit-in-Kind) reliefs in the Budget provides clarity and is expected to maintain the momentum of EV growth in both the private and business sectors in the coming year.
In conclusion, Limerick’s automotive landscape is witnessing positive growth, with an increase in new car registrations and a promising adoption of electric vehicles. As the city embraces sustainable transportation solutions, it signals a shift towards a cleaner and greener future on the roads of Limerick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many new cars were registered in Limerick from January to October 2023?
A total of 3,764 new cars were registered in Limerick between January and October 2023.
2. How much did new car registrations increase in Limerick compared to last year?
The number of new car registrations in Limerick increased by 6.4% compared to the same period last year.
3. How many electric vehicles were registered in Limerick from January to October 2023?
A total of 580 electric vehicles were registered in Limerick from January to October 2023, surpassing the figures from the same period in 2022.
4. What are the top-selling car brands and models in Ireland?
The top-selling car brands in Ireland are Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Skoda, and Kia, while the most popular models include the Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris Cross, and the Volkswagen ID4.
5. What percentage of the new car market do electric vehicles represent?
Electric vehicles now represent 18.5% of the new car market.