New car registrations up over 10% in Limerick

THE NUMBER of new car registrations has increased by over 10% in Limerick city and county, compared to last year. 

Between January and July, the number of new car registrations has increased by 10.3% when compared to the same time period in 2022.

According to new figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 3,303 new cars were registered in Limerick in the first seven months of the year, an increase from 2,994 in 2022.

Electric cars also continue to grow in popularity, as the number of new electric cars registered in Limerick has increased  by nearly two-thirds compared to numbers from this time last year.

497 new electric cars were purchased so far in 2023, a rise of 59.3% on last year when 312 electric cars were registered.

Nationally, new car registrations for the month of July were up 24% (27,148) when compared to July 2022 (21,904).

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commented that: "the new car market for the first month of the 232 registration plate indicates a strong performance, with an increase of 24% on the same month last year. Improved production over the last few months has helped supply catch up with demand, resulting in July new car sales almost matching those of the key selling month of January."

"The new car market year to date now stands 20% ahead of 2022 and less than 1% behind pre-Covid 2019. Commercial registrations, both the heavy and light sector, also continue to be well ahead of last year," he continued.

"The highlight of the market continues to be the performance of electric cars, with sales in July of 4,161 a record monthly total for EVs. So far this year 18,458 battery electric cars have been registered, an increase of nearly two-thirds on 2022. Improved supply and a greater range of new models available for motorists has supported this momentum behind EVs."