THERE was a significant drop in new car sales in Kerry last month compared to May 2023, according to the latest statistics from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

There were 73 new car registrations in the county in May compared to 129 in the same month in 2023, a decrease of over 43%. In the first five months of 2024 there were 1,595 units sold in Kerry compared to 1,506 in the same period in 2023, a rise of 5%.

Nationally, new car registrations for May were down 15% (6,407) when compared to May 2023 (7,545). Registrations year to date are up 3.8% (77,453) on the same period last year (74,612).

Continued below…

Toyota was most popular make of car in Kerry in May with 13 units sold each, with the rest of the Top 5 made up of Volkswagen (10), Kia (10), Dacia (6) and Suzuki (5).

The Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Tiguan, Dacia Sandero and Toyota Rav 4 were the top selling models at four units each followed by the Volkswagen T-Roc, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Yaris Cross all with three units sold.

Petrol was the most popular engine type with 29 units sold (-19% on May 2023) while 19 diesel engine cars were sold (-44%).

Next is 17 petrol/electric hybrid vehicles, down 29% on May 2023; four Petrol/Plug-In Electric Hybrid (-55%) and four Electric vehicles (-82%).

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………