February new car sales down 15pc, EVs up 36pc
Figures released today by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that new car registrations for February were down 15 per cent (14,012) when compared to February 2024 (16,432) – which had an extra day of trading.
Registrations for the year to date are also down 0.8 per cent (47,483) on the same period last year (47,850).
However, 2,524 new electric cars were registered in February, which was 36 per cent higher than the 1,856 registrations in February 2024.
So far this year, 7,447 new electric cars have been registered representing a 25.1 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024 when 5,949 electric cars were registered.
Imported used cars have seen a 13.2 per cent (5,599) rise in February 2025, when compared to February 2024 (4,946). Year to date imports are up 9.1 per cent (11,203) on 2024 (10,271).
In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, petrol cars continue to lead the new car market at 27.88 per cent, followed by hybrid (petrol electric) at 23.76 per cent, diesel at 16.65 per cent, electric at 15.68 per cent, and plug-in electric hybrid at 14.30 per cent.
2025 total new vehicle stats:
Top selling car brands:
1. Toyota; 2. Hyundai; 3. Volkswagen; 4. Skoda; 5. Kia
Top car models:
1. Hyundai Tucson; 2. Toyota Yaris Cross; 3. Toyota RAV4; 4. Skoda Octavia; 5. Kia Sportage.
Top 5 selling EV brands:
1. Kia 2. Volkswagen;; 3. Hyundai; 4. Tesla; 5. Nissan.
Top 5 selling EVs:
1. VW ID.4; 2. Kia EV3; 3. Tesla Model 3; 4. Kia EV6; 5. Hyundai Kona.
Top 5 selling van brands:
1. Ford; 2. Renault; 3. Volkswagen; 4. Opel; 5. Peugeot.
Top selling car (February):
Hyundai Tucson
Top selling EV (February):
Tesla Model 3
Top selling van (February):
Renault Trafic
Elsewhere, light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales are down eight per cent (3,201) compared to February last year (3,486). Year to date LCVs are down 13.5 per cent (9,471).
HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations fell by three per cent (292) in comparison to February 2024 (301). Year to date HGVs are up 0.9 per cent (762).