Dublin car sales growth

THE January 2015 sales figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) have shown an increase of 36 per cent in new car sales in Dublin compared to January 2014.

The increase highlights the continued upward trend in sales in the area following the release of the figures from the SIMI and DoneDeal Motor Industry Review for 2014 which showed that sales in Dublin also increased by 36 per cent from 2013.

Last year, 39,195 new cars were sold in the county compared with 32,034 in 2013, as detailed in the Motor Industry Review. Last month there were 10,265 cars sold, compared with 7,535 cars in January 2014.

This is a very positive sign for the area according to Alan Nolan, director general of SIMI.

“The car sales figures for January are a huge boost to the motor industry in Dublin,

? he said.

“Last year saw a recovery for the car market and to see this continue into 2015 is great news for the area. It will mean more money for the local economy and the creation of more jobs within the sector.

“The recession was particularly challenging for the motor industry and while it will take time to rebuild, the increases in sales will continue to aid recovery.

?

Economist Jim Power, author of the review, is even more optimistic about 2015.

“After a number of very difficult years for the motor trade, the strong growth in car sales reflects improving consumer confidence and spending across the country,

? he said.

“While we have not reached the highs of 2008, consumers are showing more confidence in the market and the indications are that we will continue to inch upwards this year, provided economic and political conditions remain stable.

?

SIMI president James Brooks added:

“2014 was a positive year for the motor industry, and we are confident that this growth will continue into 2015.

“This is borne out by the increase in vehicle sales in January 2015. The increase in new and used sales in 2014 collected

?¬965 million for the exchequer.

?