New car registrations fell 15% year-on-year in February even as registrations of battery electric cars continue to recover after disappointing for much of 2024.
Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show there were 14,012 new car registered last month, down from 16,432 in February 2024, which had an extra day of trading.
Registrations this year to date have also declined 0.8% from 47,850 to 47,483, again with one fewer day of trading.
There were 2,525 new electric cars registered in February, up by more than a third (+36%) from the 1,956 registrations during the same month last year, and a total of 7,447 new electric cars were registered during the first two months of 2024, an increase of 25.1% from early 2024 (5,949).
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) declined by 8% compared to February last year from 3,486 to 3,201, and year-to-date LCV registrations are down 13.5% (9,471). HGV registrations fell 3% year-on-year from 301 to 292, but year-to-date HGV registrations are up 0.9% (762).
Imported used cars have seen a 13.2% (5,599) rise in February 2025, when compared to February 2024 (4,946), and this year so far imports are up 9.1% (11,203) on 2024 (10,271).
“Following a strong start in January, new car registrations have seen some retraction in February, with registrations declining by 15%, while year-to-date registrations are now marginally behind last year," said Brian Cooke, director general of SIMI.
"However, going against this trend has been electric vehicles, with an increase in EV sales of 36% in February to 2,524 units, with private consumers, who benefit from the SEAI Grant, contributing two thirds of EV sales this year.
"The importance of government supports is key to maintaining this momentum, particularly with a greater range of EVs coming on stream."
In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, petrol cars continue to lead the new car market at 27.88%, followed by hybrid (petrol electric) at 23.76%, diesel at 16.65%, electric at 15.68%, and plug-in electric hybrid at 14.30%.
The top five selling car brands this year are Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Skoda and Kia in that order, while the top five new car models are the Hyundai Tuscon, Toyota Yaris Cross, Toyota RAV 4, Skoda Octavia, and the Kia Sportage.
The top five EV brands are Kia, VW, Hyundai, Tesla and Nissan, and the top five EV models are VW ID.4, Kia EV3, Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, and the Hyundai Kona.
For the month, the Hyundai Tucson was the top selling car, and the Tesla Model 3 was the top selling EV.
(Pic: Getty Images)
