The latest new car stats from SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) show that the sale of new cars was down 20% in November, compared to last year. So far, for the year, sales of new cars are down by 6.5%.

The commercial vehicle market is up with vans up 34% in November (up 2% for year) and trucks up 123% in November (up 24% for year).

Speaking this week about the latest figures Alan Nolan, SIMI's Director General says: "While November sales are always very low (703 cars, 380 vans and 78 trucks) the year to date total gives us a better picture of where we are. This shows the new car market down 6.5% on last year and as predicted, the full year sales will finish somewhere around 74,500. On the other hand, activity in the commercial vehicle sector, which is often an indication of the overall health of the economy, has been a bit more positive with an increase in the sale of both vans and trucks which is a good sign that there is some growth in this area."

“As we look forward to the New Year and the 141 registration period in new car sales, there are strong indications of improved levels of activity. Dealers across the country are reporting an increase in showroom traffic compared to this time last year with orders for 141 registrations up on last year, so many in the Industry are more positive about the outlook for the first quarter of 2014”.

So far this year, Volkswagen is the top selling make followed by Toyota and Ford. The Volkswagen Golf is the best-selling car followed by the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus. 27% cars sold this year were petrol, 73% diesel with silver being is the most popular car colour.

For the year, van sales are up 3%, from 10,739 new vans last year to 11,007 so far this year. Ford is the best selling van make and the Ford Transit is the best selling model.

In the Heavy Goods Vehicle’s (HGV’s) sector so far this year, 1,666 new trucks have been sold, an increase of 24% on last year (1,342). Here Volvo is the best selling truck brand.