Number of new licensed vehicles rises for first time since 2011

The number of new vehicles licensed in the State rose by more than a quarter last year in what was the first increase since 2011.

A total of 117,652 new vehicles were licensed in 2014, up 24,765, or 26.66 per cent, on the previous year, according to Department of Transport figures.

The total number of licensed vehicles recorded on Irish roads exceeded 2.5 million for the first time in 2014, an increase of 32,765, or 1.32 per cent, on 2013.

The national fleet is made up of 1,943,868 private cars, 317,378 goods vehicles, 85,042 agricultural tractors and 36,573 motorcycles.

The amount of motor tax paid for a vehicle registered before July 2008 was proportionate to the size of the vehicle’s engine, but is now based on carbon emissions.

A total of 665,774 passenger cars are now taxed based on their carbon emissions rating. This represents an increase of 127,170 units, or 23.61 per cent, on the previous year. The figures also show 48.52 per cent of vehicles use petrol, while 50.71 per cent use diesel.

In terms of car age, 81.87 per cent of private cars are four years old and over, while 71.74 per cent are six years old and over.