The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has reported a promising start to the year, with new car registrations in January rising by 7%, totaling over 33,000 units. This marks a positive trend for the Irish car market, signaling a strong recovery following the challenges faced in recent years.
A standout figure from the report is the surge in electric car registrations, which saw an impressive 20% increase compared to January 2024. This reflects the growing shift toward sustainable transportation, in line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly vehicle options.
However, while the national trend remains positive, not all regions saw growth. In Carlow, car registrations followed the national pattern, experiencing a slight increase. In contrast, Kilkenny was one of only three counties across Ireland to report a decrease in car registrations compared to January 2024.
Brian Cooke, Director General of SIMI, attributed the drop in Kilkenny’s figures to recent adverse weather conditions, including a storm and heavy snowfall, which impacted consumer behavior and car sales. Speaking to KCLR News, Cooke acknowledged that while the weather played a role in the dip, the overall outlook for 2025 remains strong.
