New car sales in Ireland jumped nearly 60% in June, with electric vehicles accounting for more than half of all registrations during what is typically a quiet month for the motor trade.
June saw 2,376 new car sales compared to 1,493 in the same month last year, with electric vehicles making up 50.7% of registrations. Tesla led the electric charge with 524 registrations, highlighting the growing consumer shift toward zero-emission vehicles.
The surge occurred ahead of the traditional July 1st numberplate change, when many buyers typically delay purchases. Year-to-date figures show the new car market up 3.4% with 81,686 sales, though petrol remains the most popular engine choice at 27.25% market share.
Toyota continues to dominate the Irish market with 11,421 registrations this year, followed by Volkswagen at 9,066 and Hyundai at 7,805. Premium brands are gaining ground, with BMW now the sixth best-selling marque at 3,308 sales, outselling traditional mainstream competitors like Nissan and Ford.
The Hyundai Tucson leads individual model sales with 3,334 registrations, ahead of Toyota’s RAV4 and Yaris Cross. Fleet purchases represent significant market segments, with hire-drive companies accounting for 11.4% of registrations and motor industry demonstrators comprising 12.1%.
Commercial vehicle sales present a mixed picture, with van registrations up 54% in June to 1,054 units, though the sector remains 6.7% down year-to-date. Heavy goods vehicle sales have declined 16% this year, potentially signaling business caution about economic growth prospects.