New car sales plummet in June, down 50% nationally and 64% in Laois

New car sales in Laois fell sharply again in June, down 64% compared to the same month in 2023, according to figures released by the Society of the Irish Automotive Industry (SIMI).

Just eight new cars were sold here in June, down from 22 12 months earlier.

The 64% drop follows a 48% drop in May and is significantly higher than the national result in June.

The number is no less shocking, however, as new car sales nationwide fell by 50% in June.

A total of 1,491 new cars were sold in Ireland in May 2024, compared with 2,990 in the same month last year.

June is the fourth consecutive month in which car sales have fallen nationwide – the only four months since the COVID-19 pandemic that have seen a fall in car sales across Ireland.

Electric cars were the most popular choice in Laois in June, overtaking petrol and diesel cars for the first time this year.

The same trend can be seen across the country, with electric cars having significantly overtaken petrol and diesel cars, while petrol-electric hybrids have also overtaken traditional engine vehicles to become the second most popular choice in the country.

Despite these seemingly impressive numbers, there is a strange relationship associated with them: electric car sales in Laos are down 73% compared to June 2023, and nationwide they are down 52%.

Nationally, sales of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) fell by 36% compared to June last year, while registrations of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) fell by 1.6%.

In June, 5,165 imported used cars (IUC) were sold, an increase of 22% compared to 4,228 in June 2023.

SIMI CEO Brian Cooke commented: “After four consecutive months of declines, new car registrations in the first half of the year stood at 78,942 units, a slight increase compared to 2023.

“Registrations of both light and heavy commercial vehicles declined in June, but activity in the commercial fleet segment remains high.

“Sales of new electric car registrations continue to decline, with registrations down 52% in June to 692 units.

“A total of 10,747 new electric cars were registered between January and June, down 25% compared to the same period last year.

“The decline in the new electric car market continues to highlight the need for government to support the transition to electric vehicles by introducing ways to encourage both individual and business car buyers to use the market.

“Extending consumer incentives and in-kind support, as well as investing in charging infrastructure, will increase consumer and business confidence and encourage uptake.

“Retailers remain optimistic as we enter the 242 plate sales period and, with new models coming to market and a variety of attractive offers, we are confident this will help drive sales activity into July, the second busiest month for new car sales.”

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