Commercial vehicle registration figures for June

Official statistics released today by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that total new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations are up 8.4 per cent (752) on June 2018 (694), with registrations year to date down 7.6 per cent (15,386). While new heavy commercial vehicles (HGV) increased 72.68 per cent (316) in comparison to June 2018 (183) and year to date are up 14.6 per cent (1,797).

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said: “Today marks that start of the 192-registration period, which offers retailers some respite, and with a variety of competitive offers available there should be a brief upturn in showroom activity. Many in the Industry are already turning their focus on October’s Budget, which coincides with Brexit. In the current fragile business context, SIMI is urging the Government to exercise extreme caution in dealing with motor related taxation. The Motorist should not be burdened with an increase in taxation on new cars, as this will only further dampen demand. The Industry supports some 47,000 jobs, and dramatic taxation changes could undermine this level of employment, the new and used car markets, Government Revenues, and our ability to renew our national car fleet which in turn could hamper Ireland’s ability to meet its international environmental targets.”