New car registrations for February were up 7.4% (15,033) compared to February 2025 (13,994). Registrations year to date are up 4.3% (49,557) on the same period last year (47,493).

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 15% (3,635) compared to February last year (3,160). Year to date LCVs are up 19.3% (11,201). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are down 4.8% (277) in comparison to February 2025 (291). Year to date, HGVs are down 12.1% (669).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 36.5% (7,639) rise in February 2026, when compared to February 2025 (5,596). Year to date imports are up 40% (15,679) on 2025 (11,200).

In February 2,871 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was 14.4% higher than the 2,510 registrations in February 2025. So far this year, 10,172 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 36.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 7,433 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type, Hybrid (Petrol Electric) leads at 27.26% as the most popular engine type, followed by Petrol 21.84%, Electric 20.53%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.51%, and Diesel 13.27%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commenting:
“The positive start to the new car market this year has continued into February with 15,033 cars registered, a 7% increase compared to February last year. Year-to-date registrations increased by 4% on last year, with a total of 49,557 new cars registered. 

The move towards electric and hybrid cars is also reflected in the figures; Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) reached 2,871 units in February, a 14% increase on the same month last year, while year-to-date 10,172 new BEVs have been registered. Private consumers account for 75% of BEV sales and remain the main driver of sales, a trend seen across all counties. New Hybrid electric (HEV) and Plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) registrations have also seen continued growth for February. Battery technology cars (BEV, PHEV, HEV) combined market share now accounts for over 62% of registrations.

The commercial sector continues to experience mixed results. Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) saw an increase in February of 15%, while Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations saw a decrease of 5% on February last year.” 

The post New car registrations: up 7.4% in February 2026; Battery Electric Vehicles up 14.4%  appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

New car registrations for August were up 1% (7,615) when compared to August 2024 (7,546). Registrations year to date are up 3.4% (116,099) on the same period last year (112,229).

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 56.7% (2,660) compared to August last year (1,697). Year to date LCVs are up 2.8% (27,593). Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registrations are up 19.9% (205) compared to August 2024 (171). Year to date, HGVs are down 9.1% (2,233).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 9.9% (5,964) rise in August 2025, when compared to August 2024 (5,426). Year to date imports are up 9.48% (46,662) on 2024 (42,621).

In August 2,126 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was 69.3% higher than the 1,256 registrations in August 2024. So far this year, 20,656 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 37% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 15,122 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, Petrol cars continue as the new car market leader at 26.31%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 22.35%, Electric at 17.79%, Diesel at 17.26%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.72%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: 
“August new car registrations were 1% ahead of the same month last year, with 7,615 units registered. Year-to-date new car sales are just over 3% ahead of last year, with a total of 116,099 new cars registered. New battery-electric car registrations increased by 69% when compared to August 2024, with 2,126 units sold, while year-to-date they have reached 20,656, a 37% increase on the same period last year. This means electric car sales have now recovered to 2023 levels. This recovery in EV sales is one that we must build upon and would not have been possible without Government incentives. With Budget 2026 fast approaching, the Government must recommit to the EV project, extend the current incentives (the SEAI Grant, Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief, and 0% Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) threshold), and consider additional targeted measures which focus on the business sector or the second-hand EV market. In addition, investment in the high-powered public charging infrastructure is vital. The Battery Electric Vehicle market is still developing, and any diminution of support will negatively impact widespread EV adoption, which is such a critical part of achieving our climate change goals. Now is the time to invest in the EV project.”

The post Strong Electric Car Registrations in August; Budget 2026 must build on momentum appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

New car registrations for May were down 8.8% (5,832) when compared to May 2024 (6,398). Registrations year to date are up 2.4% (79,301) on the same period last year (77,461).

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) decreased by 1.6% (1,913) compared to May last year (1,944). Year to date LCVs are down 8.8% (17,795). Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registrations are down 21.6% (207) in comparison to May 2024 (264). Year to date, HGVs are down 10.3% (1,521).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 7.9% (5,949) rise in May 2025, when compared to May 2024 (5,513). Year to date imports are up 7.5% (28,184) on 2024 (26,206).

In May 1,092 new electric cars were registered, which was 5.3% higher than the 1,037 registrations in May 2024. So far this year, 12,392 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 23.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024 when 10,052 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, Petrol cars remain the new car market leader at 27.60%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 23.09%, Diesel at 17.42%, Electric at 15.63%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.64%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: 
“New car registrations in May saw a 9% decline when compared to the same month last year, although year-to-date sales remain ahead of last year, with a total of 79,301 new cars registered, up over 2%. For the fifth consecutive month, new electric vehicle sales have increased, with EV registrations 5% ahead of May last year, with over 12,300 new electric cars sold so far this year, representing a 23% increase on last year. Private consumers continue to account for the majority of EV sales. While we are now on schedule to reach the interim Climate Action Plan target of 175,000 electric cars (EV & PHEV) by the end of this year, as highlighted by the EPA recently, we need to do more to accelerate the growth in EV sales between now and the end of the decade. In this context, Government initiatives and supports will be vital. The Commercial vehicle sector experienced a decline in May, with the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market down nearly 2% in May and 9% year to date. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are down 22% in May and 10% year to date. Overall commercial vehicle sales are a concern, reflecting the uncertain business environment at present, with many companies deferring investment decisions.”

The post New car registrations: down 8.8% in May 2025; Battery Electric Vehicles up 5.3% appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Mark Woods, newly appointed President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, commented, “I am deeply honoured to accept the position of President of SIMI. To be given the opportunity to represent this industry, and this Society, is something I value enormously.” 

The President remarked on the importance of industry diversity and collaboration, emphasising the Society’s commitment to supporting members from different sectors. He also highlighted the challenges facing the industry, including climate change objectives and promoting road safety.

Additionally, the President called for a coordinated national strategy to support the adoption of electric vehicles and to embrace biofuels, like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), particularly in the heavy vehicle sector, which will play an important role in reducing emissions.

Mark Woods, SIMI President, stated, “There needs to be a coordinated national strategy- one that combines infrastructure, policy reform, and cultural change. The existing incentives for Battery Electric Vehicles have been vital in shifting behaviour and must be maintained, while the diesel rebate scheme for commercial vehicles should be extended to cover HVO. Without that investment now, the cost to the State—both financial and environmental—will only grow.”

Despite the challenges facing the Motor Industry, the President reaffirmed the Industry’s commitment to working with the government to achieve climate change objectives for a sustainable future.

Mark Woods is the Chief Supply Chain Officer with The Maxol Group. Reporting to the main board, Mark is responsible for the effective management of all aspects of operations, logistics, storage, and safe transportation of products, together with the significant capital and operational spend associated with these activities. As well as his role as Chief Supply Chain Officer, Mark is very active in the area of Future Fuels and is responsible for developing the Group’s thinking on the emergence of alternatives such as Biofuels, electric and hydrogen powered vehicles. In addition to the technical evolution of these technologies, Mark is keenly interested in the various national and EU policies promoting these alternatives. Mark represents The Group on various industry bodies including Fuels for Ireland and is a Board Member of SIMI.

Mark’s commitment to social responsibility goes beyond his professional role. Through Aware, an organisation close to his heart, he became actively involved in mental health advocacy and continues to volunteer on their support line. He is also a proud supporter of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Guide Dogs NI and encourages anyone considering a charitable cause to keep these organisations in mind.

The post SIMI announces new president – Mark Woods from the Maxol Group appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently hosted the Irish Motor Industry Awards in partnership with Bank of Ireland at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin.

Simon Delaney, master of ceremonies, revealed the winners in front of over 700 senior figures in the Motor Industry, with awards presented by Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, and Derek Kavanagh, Head of Motor Finance, Bank of Ireland.

The independent panel adjudicated the winners in six award categories that recognized excellence and best practices in the Irish Motor Industry over the past year. This year, a special recognition award was also presented.

Category Award Winners
– Bodyshop Operation of the Year: Fitzpatrick’s Accident Repair Centre, Kildare
– Independent Sales Operation of the Year: Peter Hanley Motors Ltd, Longford
– Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year: Rathcoole Commercials Ltd, Dublin
– Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year: Cartow.ie, Dublin
– Franchise Sales Operation of the Year: Lexus Galway
– Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year: Newmarket Motors Ltd, Cork
– Special recognition award: Tom Murphy, of Tom Murphy Car Sales Ltd Waterford

SIMI President Jonathan Meade expressed his pride in the Motor Industry, which remains resilient, forward-thinking, and committed to serving customers, communities, and the country.

Additionally, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) announced regional winners for the ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year awards, honoring excellence in promoting and selling electric vehicles in Ireland.

ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Regional Award Winners
– Connolly’s Volvo Cars Galway for Connaught
– Doyle’s Garage Courtown for Leinster
– BYD Cork for Munster
– Cavan Autoparc Ltd for Ulster

Mr. Meade stated, “With the incentives in place over the last few years, we are on track to achieve the 2025 interim target of 175,000 electric cars. This proves incentives do work and highlights the importance of maintaining supports for businesses and consumers to encourage EV sales. Of equal importance is the investment in charging infrastructure. We need a robust, fast, and reliable charging network to ensure a seamless EV experience.”

Derek Kavanagh, Head of Motor Finance, Bank of Ireland “Bank of Ireland are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the SIMI Irish Motor Industry Awards.  The awards recognise the hard work, dedication and professionalism that is delivered by staff within the Motor Industry. As customer expectations continue to evolve with the transition to electric vehicles, we are committed to playing a key role in assisting them on this journey. Supporting the motor industry remains a key part of our strategy and we very much look forward to working closely with our 16 Franchise Partners, their dealers, and customers”.

SIMI Awards 2025 – Independent Sales Operation of the Year: Peter Hanley Motors Ltd, Longford
(L-R) SIMI President Jonathan Meade, David Hanley, Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Senan Dermody, Chloe Hopkins of Peter Hanley Motors Ltd, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI

SIMI Awards 2025 147- Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year: Rathcoole Commercials Ltd, Dublin (L-R) SIMI President Jonathan Meade, Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland,Pat Slattery, Michael Gibbs,  Paul Cooke, Barry Martin, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI

SIMI Awards 2025 -Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year: Cartow.ie, Dublin
(L-R) Adam Mooney, SIMI President Jonathan Meade, Daniel Dowling, David Drumm, Jamie Murphy, Glen Tuohy, Veronia Smaga, Santa Dirule, John Dowling and Ken Morgan, Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI

SIMI Awards 2025 Franchise Sales Operation of the Year: Lexus Galway

(L-R) SIMI President Jonathan Meade, James Ryan, Enda Brennan, Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Tony Burke, Brian Cooke Director General SIMI

SIMI Awards 2025 Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year: Newmarket Motors Ltd, Cork
(L-R) SIMI President Jonathan Meade, Denis Scully,  Cathal Browne, Dominic O’Riordan  Derek Kavanagh Bank of Ireland, Bernard Dennehy, Annette Brown, Brian Cooke

The post SIMI Awards Celebrate Excellence in Irish Motor Industry appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.