The latest figures from Motorcheck.ie for new car sales in 2013 show the Irish market is down 6.4% on 2012 figures.

The industry had predicted total sales of 75,000 units for 2013 but the final figures will be almost 1,000 units off this target.
It’s not all doom and gloom however as new commercial sales finished the year 3% up on 2012 underlining the emergence of green shoots in the business world.

The used car market was also very buoyant with overall sales of used cars on the up and a huge 25% increase on used vehicles imported into the country during 2013. However experts warn that motorists need to be vigilant.

“With a shortage of used stock in the country, unsavoury practices are more evident than ever in the used car marketâ€