More Irish motorists are choosing to buy their cars brand new, according to a new report.
The document compiled by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) showed new car sales have increased by more than 12,000 compared with last year.
SIMI recorded 186,540 new cars registered in 2007, compared with 178,484 the previous year. Light commercial vehicle sales have also increased, with 44,056 sold in 2007, an increase of 7.51 per cent in 2006.
In contrast, bus and coach sales dropped by 16.92 per cent, and heavy goods vehicles by 7.11 per cent.
Alan Nolan of SIMI, has put the 4.51 per cent spurt down to Ireland's economic growth, saying the release of SSIAs had a positive effect.
"2007 has turned out to be the second best year ever after 2000 (230,804), reflecting the fact that while economic growth has slowed somewhat, it is still outperforming other EU countries," he said.
Toyota was the most popular brand sold in Ireland last year.