The outlook for 2014 new car sales is very positive. Dealerships are reporting much improved footfall in their showrooms and this interest is resulting in more orders than at this time last year.
Mercedes-Benz in Ireland is reporting a 127 per cent increase in order intake compared to last year and is forecasting an increase in their new passenger car sales of 45 per cent for next year. While this is primarily due to improved availability and expanded ranges in the new generation compact cars (new A-Class, B-class and CLA), orders to date are up across the board.
Meanwhile, the latest new car stats from SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) show that the sale of new cars was down 20% in November, compared to last year. So far, for the year, sales of new cars are down by 6.5%.
The commercial vehicle market is up with new van sales up 34% in November (up 2% for year) and trucks up 123% in November (up 24% for year).
Alan Nolan, SIMI’s Director General says: “While November sales are always very low (703 cars, 380 vans and 78 trucks) the year to date total gives us a better picture of where we are. This shows the new car market down 6.5% on last year and as predicted, the full year sales will finish somewhere around 74,500. On the other hand, activity in the commercial vehicle sector, which is often an indication of the overall health of the economy, has been a bit more positive with an increase in the sale of both vans and trucks which is a good sign that there is some growth in this area.”
“As we look forward to the New Year and the 141 registration period in new car sales, there are strong indications of improved levels of activity. Dealers across the country are reporting an increase in showroom traffic compared to this time last year with orders for 141 registrations up on last year, so many in the Industry are more positive about the outlook for the first quarter of 2014”.
