New car sales for first half up 28% on last year

New car sales have surpassed sales for all of last year, according to new figures from SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry).

As of July 9th, 74,911 new cars had been sold in Ireland so far this year, up 28 per cent on the same period last year and ahead of full sales for 2013 when 74,303 new registrations were recorded.

The introduction of the 142 plate earlier this month led to the biggest day in car sales in six years.

"The second year of the July plate change has seen customers, both business and retail, become more comfortable with the dual plate concept. This, allied to improved consumer confidence and the increased availability of finance, has led to more showroom activity, which benefits customers, the trade and exchequer finances. With the offers that are available for the month of July, it looks like it's going to be the busiest July for car sales for many years," said SIMI director general Alan Nolan.

He added however, that even with the impressive growth seen this year, the sector is still likely to end the year at about 60 per cent of where it was prior to the recession.