New car registrations up over 15% in county Clare

THE NUMBER of new car registrations has increased by over 15% in county Clare, compared to last year. 

Between January and July, the number of new car registrations has increased by 15.3% when compared to the same time period in 2022.

According to new figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 2,053 new cars were registered in Clare in the first seven months of the year, an increase from 1,780 in 2022.

Electric cars also continue to grow in popularity, as the number of new EVs registered in Clare has almost doubled from this time last year.

346 new electric cars were purchased so far in 2023, a rise of 97% on last year when 175 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."