The number of new cars, and new electric cars registered in Galway both increased last year according to the latest figures.
Electric car registrations in Galway increased by 30.8% in 2023, going from 633 registrations in 2022 to 828 last year.
The total number of new car registrations in Galway increased by 6.9% last year, with 4,801 new cars registered from January to December.
These figures were released by the Irish Society of Motor Vehicles, which said that total new car registrations for 2023 finished at 121,850, up 16% on 2022Â and up 4% on 2019.
Imported Used Cars saw 50,716 registrations in 2023, an increase of 9.09% on 2022 but a decrease of 55.48% on 2019.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said that last year was one of progress for the Irish motor industry, in both new car registrations, and electric vehicle sales.
A total of 22,789 new electric cars were registered in 2023, an increase on the 15,678 registrations seen in 2022 (+45.4%) and 3,444 in 2019 (+561.7%).
“We do expect to see some growth in EV sales again in 2024, but key to this will be the ongoing Government support, both in terms of vehicle and taxation incentives and investment in a fit-for-purpose charging infrastructure.”
“The mix in the new car market however, from electric to hybrid to more traditional engine types, highlights the diverse nature of Irish motorists’ driving requirements,” he added.
“Reducing the age of the national fleet, as well as moving to zero emission vehicles, will be vital if we want to get close to Ireland’s climate goals.”
Petrol vehicles still hold the largest market share at 30% of the total, followed by Diesel (22.16%), Electric (18.70%), Hybrid (18.54%), and Plug-In Hybrid (8.28%).
Automatic transmissions now account for (64.54%) of market share, while manual transmissions have declined (35.35%).
The hatchback continues to remain Ireland’s top selling car body type of 2023. While grey retains the top selling colour title for the eight year running.
