In July new purchases were down 14% compared to last year.July saw a smaller fall than during the peak lockdown months according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
“COVID-19 on the back of Brexit and an already falling new car market since 2016, now sees new car sales back to recession levels, down 30% year to date. Mr Cooke said the collapse in sales was now taking an impact on the age and condition of the national car fleet as drivers hang on to older motors. “With the Budget only two months away, we need to see a reduction in VRT, to allow the car market return to normal sustainable levels, which will reduce both the age of the fleet and emissions,” he added.