1st February 2016

January car sales exceed expectations with a 34% increase

4,500 new roles likely for motor industry here in 2016 as a result of increase

The much anticipated January car sales figures have just been released by SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry)

39,812 new cars were sold in January, a considerable 34% increase on January 2015.

You have to go back to 2008 to see a month as strong as this January's. Based on performance so far this year, initial industry predictions of 150,000 car sales this year may have to be revised upwards.

With every 1,000 new cars sold, 130 new jobs are created in the sector. On this basis, 2016 could see an additional 4,500 new jobs created.

Within the last month, sales, aftersales and marketing roles have been in unusually high demand, and there is a strong interest from returning immigrants looking to go back to work in the automotive sector in Ireland.

With every 1,000 new cars sold, 130 new jobs are created in the sector. On this basis, 2016 could see an additional 4,500 new jobs created.

Hyundai's Tucson is Ireland's top-selling model year-to-date

Stats in brief

The top 3 selling car brands in January were Hyundai, Toyota & Ford
The top selling models were the Hyundai Tucson, Ford Focus & Toyota Corolla
Motorists continue to purchase cleaner cars with 78% of all new cars sold in the lowest CO₂ category
Light commercial (van) sales were up 34% in January compared to the same month in 2015
Heavy commercial (truck) sales were up 139% in January compared to the same month in 2015

Source: beepbeep.ie

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