Current State of the Irish Car Market
The Irish car market is bouncing back, showing a solid 7% growth in January 2025 registrations. Electric vehicles are really taking the spotlight.
Regional differences between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland keep things interesting. Buyers in each area face unique opportunities and challenges.
Market Size and Growth
New car registrations jumped by 7% in January 2025, hitting 33,521 vehicles, up from 31,407 in January 2024. That’s a pretty big deal after two years where things barely moved.
The Irish car market kept gaining ground through April 2025, up another 3% year-to-date. I’ve noticed this boost comes mostly from pent-up demand and a noticeable lift in consumer confidence.
Key Growth Indicators:
- January 2025: 33,521 registrations (+7%)
- April 2025: +3% year-to-date growth
- EV Sales: Record-breaking performance, leading the market’s expansion
SIMI says this momentum is sticking around through the 251 registration period. Dealers all over Ireland are seeing more people walk in and more of them actually buying.
Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives, puts it like this: “The 7% January growth signals genuine market recovery, with electric vehicle adoption driving much of the expansion we’re seeing across Ireland.”
New Versus Used Car Trends
The Carzone motoring report highlights how buyer preferences are shifting between new and used vehicles. With 84 million searches in 2024, it’s easy to spot some clear changes in behavior.
Used cars still attract a lot of attention in the Republic of Ireland, mostly because VRT makes new imports pricier. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland buyers benefit from lower VAT on new cars, so their situation is a bit different.
Current Market Split:
- New Cars: Mostly electric and hybrid models
- Used Cars: SUVs like Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 are top sellers
- Popular Models: Volkswagen Golf keeps its classic appeal
Electric vehicles are racing ahead in new car sales. Used buyers, though, still lean toward petrol and diesel. So, you end up with a sort of two-tier market.
The ongoing demand for used cars makes sense—people want value and try to dodge the depreciation hit that comes with new vehicles.
Regional Performance Variations
Dublin and Cork pull in the biggest numbers for new car registrations in the Republic of Ireland, making up about 45% of sales. Belfast dominates in Northern Ireland.
Republic of Ireland Factors:
- VRT adds 13.3% to import costs
- Motor tax bands give electric vehicles an edge
- SEAI grants help cut EV prices
Northern Ireland Dynamics:
- Lower VAT rates make new cars more attractive
- Sterling pricing opens up cross-border deals
- UK dealer networks offer more variety
Cross-border shopping is still a thing. I’ve seen buyers from the Republic head north, sometimes saving £2,000-£4,000 on the same car.
Rural buyers go for 4x4s and commercial vehicles, while city dwellers push EV adoption because charging points are easier to find.
The Carzone report backs up these regional trends. Local economies and infrastructure shape what people buy and where.
Key Car Brands and Market Leaders
Toyota still wears the crown in Ireland, but Volkswagen is closing in. Korean brands like Hyundai and Kia are making a serious push, too.
Top Performing Manufacturers
Toyota leads the pack with impressive sales. It grabbed the top spot back in 2022, and Hyundai has kept the pressure on, signaling a shift toward Asian brands.
The Toyota Corolla keeps winning fans. Irish drivers like its reliability and lower running costs, especially with fuel and insurance prices not getting any friendlier.
Volkswagen is gaining ground fast. Recent sales data shows Volkswagen is a real contender, thanks to sharp pricing and a strong dealer network.
Hyundai keeps performing well. The Hyundai Tucson is a big hit with SUV buyers, offering great warranties and prices that beat most European rivals.
Kia rides the same wave as Hyundai. Their seven-year warranty really helps calm buyers’ nerves about long-term costs.
Ciaran Connolly sums it up: “Korean manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia have transformed the Irish market by offering longer warranties and competitive pricing that directly addresses Irish buyers’ cost concerns.”
Brand Market Share Shifts
Brand loyalties are shifting. European brands are losing ground while Japanese and Korean brands are on the rise.
Tesla made headlines by becoming Ireland’s top selling car brand in June 2023, even though it only sells EVs. That says a lot about how quickly Ireland is embracing electric cars, especially with all the government incentives.
Renault is on the up, too. The French brand is growing fast, now in 8th place in the latest rankings.
Ford struggles to keep up with the Asian brands. Irish buyers seem to care less about tradition and more about getting value and reliability.
The numbers make it clear: brands that offer better warranties, lower running costs, and sharper pricing are chipping away at the old European favourites.
Popular Car Models in Ireland
Irish buyers love SUVs and hybrids. The Hyundai Tucson leads the pack, but classics like the Toyota Corolla are still going strong.
Electric vehicles are gaining traction, but they haven’t knocked the old favourites off the top just yet.
Best-Selling Models
The Hyundai Tucson is Ireland’s best-seller, with 3,308 units sold by June 2025. It’s been on top for years, probably because it’s practical and comes in hybrid versions that families want.
Toyota isn’t far behind. The RAV4 sold 2,400 units, and the Yaris Cross hit 2,371. Clearly, Toyota’s reputation for reliability still matters to Irish drivers.
| Rank | Model | 2025 Sales | Key Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Tucson | 3,308 | Hybrid options, practicality |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 | 2,400 | Proven hybrid technology |
| 3 | Toyota Yaris Cross | 2,371 | Compact SUV design |
| 4 | Kia Sportage | 2,305 | Competitive pricing |
| 5 | Škoda Octavia | 2,185 | Reliability, value |
The Toyota Corolla still draws plenty of buyers, even if it’s not in the top five. People stick with it for its track record and lower running costs.
Ciaran Connolly adds, “The Hyundai Tucson’s success reflects Irish buyers prioritising practicality over prestige, with hybrid variants offering real-world fuel economy of 45-50mpg.”
Emerging Model Preferences
Electric vehicles are shaking up the market. The Tesla Model 3 leads EV sales as of June 2025. That’s a big deal—EVs are starting to really compete with petrol and hybrid cars.
Volkswagen’s ID.4 and the Nissan Leaf are also among Ireland’s most-searched new models. SEAI grants help here, dropping EV prices by as much as €5,000.
Brand preferences are shifting, too. Toyota leads brand sales with a 1.1% increase, while Volkswagen climbed to second place with 7.2% growth. Hyundai, despite the Tucson’s popularity, dropped to third. The competition is heating up.
Premium models like the BMW 5-Series and Volkswagen Golf get a lot of online attention. Irish buyers might not always buy them, but they’re definitely dreaming—or at least doing their research.
Consumer Preferences and Buying Behaviour
Irish car buyers have their quirks. Reliability and affordability top the list. Price sensitivity is high, and people want to know a car’s full history before they even think about buying.
Price Sensitivity and Budget Trends
Reliability is number one for Irish motorists. The Carzone Motoring Report found the top three reasons for buying are wanting something more reliable, needing a newer car, or needing a bigger vehicle for family.
Budgets really shape what people buy. Irish car buyers in 2025 focus on affordability over almost everything else.
| Primary Purchase Drivers | Percentage of Buyers |
|---|---|
| Reliability concerns | 35% |
| Need for newer model | 28% |
| Family size requirements | 22% |
People look beyond the sticker price, too. Running costs, insurance, and maintenance all play a big role in the decision, whether you’re in the Republic or up north.
Dealer Preferences
Digital tools have changed how people shop for cars. Irish buyers expect a smooth digital experience, from research to purchase.
Even so, personal service still matters. Buyers want dealers who get their needs and can sort out custom finance options.
Transparency is key now. People show up at dealerships already knowing the numbers, so any hidden fees or sketchy histories are deal-breakers.
Ciaran Connolly puts it simply: “Irish buyers today demand complete transparency from dealers, particularly around hidden costs and vehicle history – those who adapt to this expectation see significantly higher conversion rates.”
Transparency and Vehicle History Checks
Irish car buyers approach background research in wildly different ways. CCPC research shows that 17% of consumers skip checks completely before buying, while others dig deep before handing over any cash.
Due diligence levels break down as follows:
- 35% of buyers carry out comprehensive checks
- 48% stick with basic verification
- 17% do nothing at all
Most buyers worry most about mechanical reliability when they inspect a car. Price matters too, but people are starting to realise that going cheap can backfire with higher costs down the road.
NCT history, service records, and previous ownership details have become must-haves for anyone who wants to buy smart. Buyers who actually check these things usually feel happier with their cars and deal with fewer headaches later.
This divide between thorough researchers and those who wing it shows that Irish car buyers still need better education.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Ireland
Ireland’s electric vehicle market exploded in 2025, with new electric car registrations up 64% in July alone. Plug-in hybrids jumped by 56% too, and charging points started popping up everywhere in both the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Electric Car Adoption
The Irish electric car market really flipped around after a tough 2024. Electric car sales dropped 14% in early 2024, but things bounced back hard in 2025.
New electric cars licensed in July 2025 shot up by 64% compared to July 2024. The CSO counted 3,973 new electric cars last month, up from 2,421 the year before.
Market Performance 2025:
- Electric car licensing up 34% in first seven months
- 17,075 new private electric cars licensed (vs 12,765 in 2024)
- Plug-in hybrid growth of 56% to 3,080 vehicles
Price cuts made a huge difference. Tesla’s Model 3 Standard Range dropped from €54,800 in December 2022 to €38,605 by May 2024. Hyundai’s Kona BEV now comes in at €40,995, and Volkswagen’s ID.3 starts at €37,210.
“The price war between Tesla and Chinese manufacturers has made electric vehicles genuinely affordable for Irish families, with some models now matching petrol car prices,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Running costs heavily favour electric cars. Night-time electricity at 10c/kWh means you pay about 2c per kilometre, while hybrids using €1.80 petrol cost about 9c per kilometre.
Charging Infrastructure Developments
Ireland’s charging network grew fast through 2025. This went a long way toward fixing the main thing holding people back from buying electric. ESB eCars took the lead, putting rapid chargers along major motorways between Dublin and Belfast.
Current Infrastructure:
- Over 2,000 public charging points nationwide
- 400+ rapid charging locations
- Home charging grants up to €600 available
- Workplace charging schemes expanded
Fast charging at public points usually costs 35-45c per kWh. Installing a home charger runs €800-1,200 with grants included. Northern Ireland drivers get different support through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.
Apartment dwellers still struggle, though. Lots of estates don’t have dedicated parking for chargers. Dublin City Council tried out on-street charging, and Belfast rolled out lamp-post chargers in a few areas.
Rural coverage is getting better. Places like Donegal and Kerry opened charging hubs in their market towns. The Wild Atlantic Way now has charging points every 50-60 kilometres.
Leading Electric Car Brands
Tesla keeps its lead, even with Chinese brands ramping up competition. The Model 3 and Model Y top sales charts, helped by Tesla’s service centres in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast.
Top Electric Brands 2025:
- Tesla – Model 3/Y leading sales
- Hyundai – Kona and Ioniq 5 popular
- Volkswagen – ID.3 and ID.4 gaining ground
- Kia – EV6 targeting premium segment
- BYD – Atto 3 offering value proposition
Hyundai’s Kona Electric really caught on with Irish buyers. The €40,995 starting price and 484km range work well for daily commutes. The five-year warranty is reassuring, especially for first-time EV owners.
Kia’s EV6 goes after buyers who want more features. It starts at €45,000, offers 528km range, and charges fast. Both Hyundai and Kia have solid dealer networks across Ireland.
Chinese brands like BYD jumped in with sharp pricing. The Atto 3 starts at €38,000, beating most European rivals on price. Their biggest challenge? Building up a proper service network here.
Volkswagen’s ID models attract loyal VW fans ready to go electric. The ID.3 at €37,210 is priced right alongside the petrol Golf, so switching feels doable for a lot of people.
Fuel Types and Technology Trends
Fuel preferences in Ireland are shifting quickly. Petrol still leads, but electric and hybrid cars are catching up fast. Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia are pushing this change with more electrified models.
Petrol, Diesel, and Hybrid Shares
Petrol engines continue to dominate new car sales in Ireland, but electrified alternatives are closing the gap. Internal combustion only cars still made up 57% of all new private cars licensed in 2022.
Diesel’s drop has been hard to miss. Diesel engines were the second most popular for new cars in Ireland in 2023, totaling under 27,300 units. That’s a big fall from years when diesel ruled the market.
Hybrid Growth Patterns:
- 32% of Irish buyers plan to get hybrid, electric, or plug-in hybrid vehicles
- Toyota leads hybrid searches with the RAV4 and Corolla
- Hyundai Tucson is the most-searched hybrid vehicle
This shift shows how people now care more about running costs and environmental issues. Insurance for hybrids usually falls into groups 15-20, which appeals to budget-minded drivers.
Alternative Fuel Innovations
Electric car adoption keeps picking up, even if some buyers still hesitate. EV sales in the first two months of 2025 have surged compared to last year, so more people clearly trust the technology.
Key Electric Vehicle Trends:
- Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model 3 top EV searches
- 85% of current electric and plug-in hybrid owners say lower running costs matter most
- 71% of drivers aged 17-24 are open to eco-friendly vehicles
Cost remains a big hurdle. 40% of potential buyers worry about the price tag, 31% don’t trust the reliability, and 28% are put off by electricity prices.
“Electric cars now offer genuine alternatives for Irish drivers, but buyers need to calculate total costs including home charging installation and potential battery replacement after 8-10 years,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Manufacturer Positioning:
- Kia offers competitive warranties on electric models
- Hyundai has strong hybrid options in key segments
- Toyota keeps its hybrid reputation for reliability
Upgrades to the charging infrastructure across Ireland make electric cars more practical for daily life.
Pricing Trends and Car Affordability
Irish car prices have soared since the pandemic, with costs much higher than they were before 2020. Buyers are adjusting their budgets and looking for more transparency and flexibility in how they pay.
Average Car Prices
Car prices in Ireland have gone up like never before since 2020. The DoneDeal Car Price Index says prices are now 63.7% higher than before the pandemic.
The lower end of the market has taken the biggest hit. Affordable second-hand cars have doubled in price, which makes things tough for anyone on a budget.
Even with these price hikes, Irish buyers are spending more. The Carzone 2024 Motoring Report shows average spending has hit €18,000—a 10% jump from last year’s €16,370.
“Irish buyers are adapting to the new price reality by extending their budgets rather than compromising on their vehicle needs,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Car replacement cycles have stretched out too. On average, people now keep their cars for 4.84 years, hanging on longer to save money.
Finance and Purchasing Methods
How people pay is changing as prices keep rising. Personal savings still lead at 43% of purchases, but finance options are catching up fast.
Demand for transparent financing has jumped. 71% of buyers now want clear monthly costs when they look at finance, way up from 55% last year.
51% of Irish motorists plan to use car finance for their next purchase. That’s a big shift, since cash just doesn’t stretch as far anymore.
Dealer preferences are changing too. 36% now go for franchise dealers in 2024, almost matching the 39.5% who liked independent dealers in 2023. The market feels a bit more balanced now.
Price transparency is still king, with 66% of buyers saying it’s their top concern when picking a car.
Impact of Macroeconomic Factors
Ireland’s car market reacts directly to economic growth and government policy. External pressures from trade issues and shifting policies keep things unpredictable for both buyers and dealers.
Economic Growth and Consumer Demand
Ireland’s economic recovery has sparked new confidence in the car market. The Irish car market shows signs of recovery after previous downturns, and strong economic conditions now support buyer demand.
Consumer spending habits clearly reflect this upswing. Average monthly vehicle running costs dropped from €220 in 2024 to €212 in 2025, so households seem to have a bit more breathing room.
The recovery isn’t lightning-fast, but it’s steady. New car licensing hit 101,349 units in 2022, which is still below the 2014-2019 average of 119,485 registrations, but the gap’s closing.
Employment and wage growth push car buying decisions. Solid economic fundamentals helped 28% of respondents boost their car-buying budgets over the past year.
“Economic stability has allowed Irish buyers to consider higher-value purchases, with Leinster drivers averaging €17,650 on their current vehicles,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Influence of Policy and External Shocks
Government policy changes the market through taxation and incentives. VRT rates and motor tax bands sway buyers choosing between petrol, diesel, and electric cars. SEAI grants for EVs have nudged more people toward cleaner transport.
External shocks keep things unpredictable. Global trade tensions and uncertain U.S. trade policy bring risks, but Ireland’s service-based economy offers a bit of a buffer from tariffs.
Supply chain headaches still mess with vehicle availability. Semiconductor shortages and shipping delays slow new car deliveries, so more buyers look at used cars instead.
Insurance costs keep climbing. 52% of respondents faced premium hikes, up from 47% last year. That’s making cars less affordable and shaping how people buy.
Regional differences really show up in how policy hits people. 67% of Ulster respondents cut back on driving due to costs, so economic pressure isn’t the same everywhere.
Commercial and Light Vehicle Market
The commercial vehicle sector’s been growing fast. Light commercial vehicles are expanding, thanks to changing business needs. Ford and Renault lead the pack, and electric options are slowly catching on in both the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Growth in Light Commercial Vehicle Sales
Light commercial vehicle sales jumped all over Ireland, mostly because delivery services and e-commerce are booming. Small business owners are upgrading fleets more often, picking newer Euro 6 models to dodge low emission zone charges in places like Dublin and Belfast.
Construction’s picking up, too, and that’s helping pickup trucks and panel van sales. Van sales went up 12% in 2024 versus the previous year, with businesses chasing fuel efficiency and better payloads.
“Light commercial vehicle demand reflects Ireland’s economic growth, with businesses investing in reliable workhorses that can handle both urban deliveries and rural construction sites,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Electric vans are starting to show up in fleet registrations. Diesel still rules, though, because range matters. SEAI grants in the Republic of Ireland make electric vans more tempting, with up to €3,800 off the sticker price.
Top Brands in Commercial Vehicles
Ford dominates the commercial scene, with the Transit van range grabbing nearly 30% of light commercial sales. The Transit Custom is still the go-to for tradespeople, starting at €28,000 before VAT in the Republic.
Renault sits in second place with the Master and Trafic models. The Trafic’s priced at €26,500, so it’s a favourite among smaller businesses. Renault’s dealer network gives good coverage for maintenance and parts.
Volkswagen Crafter and Toyota Hiace are in the mix, but their market shares are smaller. The Hiace attracts those who want petrol reliability, while the Crafter targets premium fleet buyers.
Insurance costs swing a lot between brands. Ford Transit models usually fall in groups 8-12, while Renault’s versions are often in groups 6-10, so running costs can differ for business owners.
Industry Structure and Business Landscape
The Irish car market runs on a mix of big franchised dealers and smaller independents. Insurance hikes and shifting consumer habits are forcing businesses to rethink how they make money in both new and used markets.
Market Share of Dealers and SMEs
Major franchised dealers take the lion’s share of new car sales, representing global names like Volkswagen, Toyota, and BMW. They usually hold exclusive rights and run pricey showrooms in prime spots.
Independent dealers and SMEs mostly handle used cars. They keep overheads low and can offer sharper prices on second-hand vehicles.
Market breakdown:
- Franchised dealers: 70-80% of new car sales
- Independent dealers: 60-70% of used car sales
- Private sales: 15-20% of total transactions
Car purchasing behaviours show 65% of buyers use 2-3 websites to compare. That keeps both dealer types on their toes to stay visible online.
Small dealers struggle with rising business costs and insurance. Many are family-run, with just 2-5 staff covering sales, servicing, and admin.
Business Costs and Revenue Streams
Dealer operating costs have shot up across Ireland. Insurance premiums are a big pain point, with 52% of respondents saying their premiums rose compared to 47% last year.
Main revenue streams:
- New vehicle sales (highest margin)
- Used vehicle sales
- Servicing and parts
- Finance and insurance products
- Extended warranties
“Dealer margins on new cars usually run 8-12%, but finance and insurance products can bring in 15-25% returns,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Staff costs eat up 35-40% of gross profit at most dealerships. Skilled technicians are in high demand, especially with more electric and hybrid vehicles on the road.
Property costs change a lot depending on location. City centre showrooms in Dublin can cost €50-80 per square foot a year, while rural dealers might pay just €15-25.
Projected revenue for passenger cars in Ireland could hit $3.7 billion in 2025, so despite rising costs, there’s still a lot of opportunity.
Future Outlook and Market Forecast
The Irish car market feels pretty energetic as 2025 rolls on. Economic growth is lifting consumer confidence, and EV adoption keeps picking up speed thanks to government incentives. Honestly, I think we’ll see steady growth in both traditional and electric vehicles in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Short-Term Projections
The short-term outlook for Ireland’s auto sector looks bright through 2025. New car registrations jumped 7% in January 2025 compared to last year, with 33,521 units registered.
Q1 2025 sales went up 3.2% to 64,851 units, ending a two-year stall. This bounce comes from Ireland’s projected GDP growth of 4.3% and a 3% boost in consumer spending.
Electric vehicle momentum keeps building. EV market share hit 12% in Q1, up 24% year-on-year. Volkswagen’s EV sales soared 58.9%, with BYD not far behind at 41.8%.
Projected revenue for Ireland’s passenger car market is set to reach US$3.7bn in 2025. Toyota still leads with 9,758 sales in Q1, but Volkswagen’s 12.4% growth hints at shifting trends.
“Ireland’s car market recovery reflects real economic strength, not just a blip, and EV adoption is outpacing most of Europe,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Medium and Long-Term Expectations
Looking past 2025, Ireland’s car market is set for big changes as climate goals and consumer tastes evolve. The Carzone 2025 Motoring Report says 32% of buyers plan to go hybrid, electric, or plug-in hybrid, and 71% of 17-24-year-olds are open to eco-friendly options.
History shows this market can bounce back. Passenger car sales peaked at 146,600 units in 2016 and recovered to 122,400 in 2023, so it’s got staying power even after tough times.
Government incentives keep steering long-term trends. VRT relief for EVs runs through 2025, and home charger grants up to €600 help with infrastructure. These policies should help Ireland hit EU climate targets and keep the market growing.
Forecasts point to steady growth through 2030, especially for electric and hybrid cars. Petrol and diesel will stick around for a while, but their grip will loosen as more charging stations appear and battery prices drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Irish automotive market has its quirks. Volkswagen Golf still tops the sales charts, 54% of buyers now consider electric or hybrid vehicles, and sales have bounced up 3% through April 2025. Rising costs keep shaping what people buy across both the Republic and Northern Ireland.
What are the top-selling car models in Ireland’s automotive market?
The Volkswagen Golf is still Ireland’s favourite car according to recent market data. This compact family car dominates both searches and sales across the island.
Toyota is right up there, too, with Toyota ranking as one of Ireland’s top brands in 2022. The Japanese giant gives Volkswagen a real run for its money.
Hyundai does well in certain categories. The Hyundai Kona leads EV searches, while the Tucson tops hybrid searches.
“The Golf’s popularity comes down to balanced running costs—typically £180-220 monthly insurance in Northern Ireland and €200-250 in the Republic, plus reliable NCT pass rates,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
How has the electric vehicle market share evolved in Ireland over recent years?
Electric vehicle adoption has picked up speed in Ireland lately. Now, 54% of Irish drivers say they plan to buy an electric or hybrid car next, which is up 19% from just last year.
When you look at current ownership, 16% of respondents already drive hybrids or EVs, compared to only 10% the year before. That’s a pretty striking 60% jump in ownership in just a year.
Tesla made headlines recently. In June 2023, Tesla actually became Ireland’s top selling car brand—the first time an electric-only company ever led the monthly sales charts.
Still, infrastructure worries keep holding people back. Half of would-be buyers say they’re still concerned about Ireland’s EV charging network, especially when it comes to finding available charging points.
What are the current trends influencing new car sales in Ireland?
People are spending more on cars these days. About 29% of buyers report their car budgets have gone up in the past year, with average spend hitting €18,000—that’s a 10% bump from €16,370.
Fuel prices really shape how folks drive and what they buy. A solid 62% of drivers have cut back on driving because of fuel costs. Meanwhile, 38% have either downsized or plan to drop a car from their household.
Insurance premiums just keep climbing. Nearly half of respondents—47%—got hit with higher premiums, which is a jump from 35.9% last year. That definitely makes people rethink what they can afford.
Family needs push a lot of buyers to swap cars. A surprising 63% of participants have changed vehicles to fit a growing family. Safety now tops the list of must-haves, even ahead of space or price.
How do various car brands compare in terms of market share within the Irish auto industry?
Volkswagen and Toyota are neck and neck at the top these days. Volkswagen is now challenging Toyota for market leadership, which shows just how fierce the competition’s gotten.
Japanese and Korean brands are making serious moves against European rivals. European brands have slipped, while Toyota and Hyundai surged to the top in 2022.
Renault’s also having a good run in the middle of the pack. Renault posted double-digit growth and grabbed 8th place, proving French brands can still hold their own.
Brand preferences split depending on where you live. In Northern Ireland, buyers usually go for UK-sourced cars because of better warranty deals and closer dealerships. Meanwhile, in the Republic, people lean more toward Asian brands, mostly for reliability.
What impact have economic policies had on car imports and sales in Ireland?
VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) shapes how people buy cars in the Republic of Ireland. This tax drives many buyers to Northern Ireland dealers, especially if they’re after premium models and better deals.
Brexit has actually given Northern Ireland dealers a bit of an edge. Thanks to currency swings and different tax rules, buyers from the Republic can sometimes save £3,000-5,000 on the exact same model.
SEAI grants in the Republic help more people switch to electric cars. Since Northern Ireland doesn’t offer these grants, EV adoption looks pretty different across the border.
The Republic of Ireland’s motor tax bands really favour low-emission vehicles, way more than Northern Ireland’s VED system does. That policy nudges company car drivers and folks who rack up a lot of miles toward cleaner models.
What forecasts are available for the future of the automotive sector in Ireland?
We’re seeing the Irish car market pick up speed again after a period of stagnation. Market recovery is showing positive momentum.