New car sales continue to grow in 2014 with May seeing a 6% increase on May last year.

So far this year, 64,031 new cars have been sold, an increase of 12,481 on 2013, that's an annual rise of 24% on the same period last year. .

Commenting on the results, Alan Nolan, Director General, said: "We expected May to slow a little, in advance of the new '142 plate' in July. While the increase isn't as large as previous months, demand has remained strong, attributable to a more affordable marketplace for motorists and better availability of retail finance options."

"A bit like the property sector, which is seeing an increase in demand for new homes, many consumers now appear to be better placed financially to re-enter the new car market having been out of the buying cycle over the last number of years."

"June is likely to be a quiet month with July being a crucial period for the Motor Industry. The second year of the new number plate, new car enquiries in dealerships are very strong at the moment and should translate into a busy July."