Kilkenny car sales on the right road despite national slump

Sales of new cars in Kilkenny are falling – but the local market is performing better than most other counties.

A total of 1,765 new cars were registered in the city and county in the 12 months to October.

This is a 14% drop on the 2,057 recorded for the same period last year, according to new figures published by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

However, the year-on-year decline is less significant than in other counties across the country. In neighbouring Waterford sales have slumped by almost a third.

Nationally, new car registrations to date are down 25.2% (86,870) on the same period last year (116,124).

Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) are up 56.2% (1,667) compared to October last year (1,067) and year to date are down 15.3% (20,587). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are up 15.7% (155) in comparison to October 2019 (134). However, year to date HGV’s are down 21.5% (1,951).

Used car imports for October (9,315) have seen a decrease of 18.7% on October 2019 (11,457), while year to date imports are down 37.7% (58,504) on 2019 (93,892).

Commenting on the figures, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said: “October new car and light commercial vehicle registrations are broadly in line with the same month last year. However, like many other retail sectors, overall this year has been hugely difficult due to Covid-19, with new car sales down 25% year to date.

“With car showrooms closed for the next number of weeks due to Government Covid-19 restrictions, retailers have been enhancing their online presence, particularly with the month of November being the key selling period for forward orders for the new registration plate in January.

“Manufacturers and retailers are already offering generous incentives for customers to buy a new car. With the ongoing impact of Covid and the impending Brexit deadline fast approaching it is vital that the Government continue to support business in this uncertain trading environment.”