Sales of new cars in Northern Ireland continue to climb, according to latest industry figures.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said new car registrations so far this year are up over 18% on the same time last year at 36,699.
Much of the uplift has been attributed to pent up demand in the wake of the supply chain issues cause by the Covid-19 pandemic, while active buying by fleet owners has also helped boost sales numbers and made up for weaker private purchases.
Across the UK as a whole, new car sales were up by 9.5% to 156,525 with demand for both hybrid electric vehicles and plug in vehicles climbing by around 30% and 56% respectively.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, called for more government incentives to boost demand for greener vehicles.
“Britain’s new car market continues to recover, fuelled by fleets investing in the latest and greenest new vehicles,” he said. “With car makers gearing up to meet their responsibilities under new market legislation, and COP28 currently underway, now is the time to take sensible steps that will multiply that economic growth and minimise carbon emissions.
“Private EV buyers need incentives in line with those that have so successfully driven business uptake – and workable trade rules that promote rather than penalise the transition.”
When it comes to the most popular brand sold in Northern Ireland, the Hyundai Tucson has been the most popular new car this year with 1,347 sold in the 11 months to the end of November. It was followed by the Ford Puma and the Kia Sportage in second and third place respectively.
