Strong start to 2026 for local motor dealers
Volkswagen’s ID.4 was the most popular electric vehicle in Ireland in January.
Motor dealers in the West of Ireland enjoyed a very strong start to 2026.
In Mayo, some 681 new vehicles were registered in January, compared to 615 for the same month in 2025, an increase of 10.7%. Sales were even stronger in neighbouring Sligo where motor dealers saw a whopping increase of 29.5% - from 315 new registrations in January 2025 to 408. It was, by far, the highest percentage increase in the country, according to data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).
There was also a positive start to the year for motor dealers in the other Connacht counties. Sales of 261 vehicles in Galway rose by 5.3%, from 1,519 in January 2025 to 1,600 last month. In Roscommon, sales increased from 333 to 361, while Leitrim saw new registrations rise from 156 to 164.
Nationally, new car registrations for January were up 3.3% to 34,604, compared to January 2025 when there were 33,499 new vehicles registered.
Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) increased by 21.6% to 7,579, compared to January last year (6,234). Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations were down 16.6% to 392 in comparison to January 2025 (470).
Imported used cars saw a 43.5% rise in January 2026 to 8,041, compared to January 2025 (5,604).
There were also 7,319 new electric cars (battery electric cars) registered last month, which was 48.7% higher than the 4,923 registrations in January 2025. This growth represents the highest number of electric car registrations to date.
In the new car market share by engine type, Hybrid (Petrol Electric) has taken the lead for the first time at 28.28% as the most popular engine type, followed by Electric 21.15%, Petrol 20.94%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.56%, and Diesel 12.48%.
Automatic transmissions account for 78.74% of market share, while manual transmissions continue to see a decline at 21.21%.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, said: “2026 has started promisingly for the new car market. January, a key month for sales, saw 34,604 new cars registered, a 3% increase on the same month last year. The commercial sector experienced mixed results. Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) saw an increase of 22% while heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations saw a decrease of 17% on January last year.
"Battery technology cars (BEV, PHEV, HEV) saw significant growth. Their market share accounted for nearly two-thirds of new car sales in January, with the combined market share of traditional petrol and diesel cars falling to 33%. Hybrid-electric vehicles are the most popular engine choice, taking the position as market leader for the first time.
"The momentum in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) sales from last year has carried over into January 2026. BEV sales rose significantly in January with 7,319 units registered compared to 4,923 units last year, the highest monthly volume to date. Over one in five new cars registered in January were fully electric vehicles. Private consumers accounted for 75% of BEV sales, an 11% increase on last year. Government incentives, expanding EV model choices, and a greater range of price points are all helping consumers make the switch. If we want this emerging market to continue to expand, focus on infrastructure and Government supports will be key.”
The top-selling new car in Ireland in January was the Toyota Yaris Cross, while the top-selling new electric car was the Volkswagen ID.4.
