Over the past decade, Japanese imports have increased nearly tenfold, from 2,321 in 2014 to 21,716 in 2023. In contrast, UK imports have declined from 44,939 in 2014 to 14,904 in 2023.

Wesley Littleford, Cartell’s Commercial Operations Manager, comments, “Like many Irish industries, the automotive sector has had to rapidly adapt to changing import costs and conditions from the UK market post-Brexit. The Japanese market has emerged as a more affordable alternative for dealerships and individual buyers alike.”

In 2015, there were twice as many used UK imports as Japanese imports arriving in Ireland. UK imports peaked in 2019 but began to decline rapidly the following year due to Brexit. Between 2020 and 2022, Japanese imports nearly doubled year on year: from 4,575 in 2020 to 9,805 in 2021, and 18,524 in 2022. This trend resulted in twice as many used Japanese imports as UK imports in 2023.

“The trend seems set to continue for Japanese imports, with roughly twice as many Japanese cars arriving in the country compared to UK imports so far in 2024.”

Since the UK’s exit from the European Union, Irish buyers have faced increased costs and paperwork when importing vehicles from the UK, whereas favourable depreciation rates for cars in Japan mean high quality vehicles available at lower rates. Japanese vehicles are also increasingly seen as reliable and well-maintained, providing good value for money.

Importers specialising in Japanese vehicles have likely seen a rise in business, contributing to the country’s economic growth.

While Japanese imports surge, Cartell data reveals that European models still reign supreme. Volkswagen is the most popular car maker imported from Japan, with the Golf and Polo taking the top spots. Audi and the A3 are the next most imported make and model. Despite the popularity of Japanese-made European models, brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are also gradually increasing in popularity.

Most Japanese cars being imported are aged between 6-10 years, with 73% having petrol engines so far in 2024. In comparison, 22.8% are petrol-electric hybrids.

Japanese vehicles often have more advanced technology and fuel efficiency compared to older UK models, which is a positive step towards reducing Ireland’s emissions and promoting fuel-efficient alternatives. While these vehicles need to comply with EU regulations, it can also be seen as a positive impact on niche businesses providing these compliance checks, potential modifications, and adjustments to supply chain and logistics.

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New car registrations for June were down 50% (1,499) when compared to June 2023 (2,990). Registrations year to date are up 1.7% (78,942) on the same period last year (77,602). 

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) declined by 35.8% (688) compared to June last year (1,072). Year to date LCVs are up 17.8% (20,229). HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) registrations are down 1.6% (127) in comparison to June 2023 (129). Year to date HGVs are up 17.9% (1,826).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 22.2% (5,165) rise in June 2024, when compared to June 2023 (4,228). Year to date imports are up 25.4% (31,372) on 2023 (25,025).

In June 692 new electric cars were registered, which was 52% lower than the 1,432 registrations in June 2023. So far this year, 10,747 new electric cars have been registered which is a 25% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 when 14,307 electric cars were registered. In the new car market share by engine type for 2024, Petrol cars lead the new car market at 32.96% followed by Diesel at 22.89%, then Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 20.11%, Electric at 13.61%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 8.83%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting: “In June new car registrations declined by 50% on the same month last year. Following four consecutive months of decline, new car registrations for the first half of the year stand at 78,942 units, a marginal increase on 2023. Both light and heavy commercial vehicles registrations saw a decline in sales for the month of June, but the activity remains strong in the commercial fleet. New electric car registrations continue to experience a decline in sales, with June registrations falling by 52% to 692 units. From January to June, a total of 10,747 new electric cars were registered, marking a 25% decrease from the same period the previous year. 

The decline in the new EV car market continues to highlight the need for Government to support the EV transition, with ways to incentivise the market for both private and company car buyers. Extending consumer incentives and Benefit-in-Kind support, along with investment in charging infrastructure will build consumer and business confidence and encourage uptake. Retailers remain optimistic as we enter the 242-registration plate sales period, and with new models coming to the market along with variety of attractive offers are positive that this will help to boost sales activity in July, the second busiest month for new car sales.”

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With the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently reporting that 2023 was a strong year for new-car sales, and electric vehicles (EVs) forming a significant part of the overall figures, Cartell has decided to look at a regional level to see how parts of Ireland are adopting both EVs and hybrids.

SIMI’s final number of total new registrations in 2023 is set at 122,310, with pure EVs accounting for 22,789 (18.63%) of that number. Petrol hybrids (non-plug-in) followed, with 22,597 registrations (18.48 %), then petrol-electric plug-in hybrids at 10,085 registrations (8.25 %).

It’s worth noting that pure petrol-engined cars were on top (36,852, 30.13%) with diesel in second (27,248, 22.28%).

However, while internal-combustion power still seems to rule supreme in Ireland, it would seem the needle of consumer demand is shifting ever more towards electric propulsion – with some areas of the country seeing electric outstripping diesel sales.

Nationally, the top ten preferred brands were Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Skoda, Kia, Ford, Audi, BMW, Dacia and then Peugeot, in descending order. Many of these marques have either strong EV line-ups, or a heavy focus on electrification in the form of hybrids, particularly Toyota.

That’s reflected in the most successful models, including the top-selling Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Yaris Cross.

However, only one pure EV made the top ten – the Volkswagen ID.4, sitting in fifth place overall.

Against that backdrop of preferences, let’s look at the individual areas of Ireland to see how they’re adopting EVs and hybrids.

SOUTH-WEST

Co. Cork = 13,903 sales (11.37% of nat. total); EV sales 16.69% of Cork’s figures
Co. Kerry = 2,438 sales (1.99% of nat. total); EV sales 12.63% of Kerry’s figures

Cork, as Ireland’s second city, is the location of the second Tesla showroom in the country, but despite that the American EV company doesn’t feature in the county’s top tens. Co. Cork follows the national pattern, in the main, with its three favourite brands being Toyota, Hyundai and Kia. There are no out-and-out EV-only models in its favoured vehicles, but nine out of ten of the best-selling cars in Cork either have strong hybrid representation in their line-ups, or at least an electric model to opt for (e.g. the Hyundai Kona in ninth). Cork favoured petrol (32.22%) and then diesel (21.10%) power for its new cars in 2023.

Kerry, though smaller in the number of sales and percentage of EVs as part of that figure, did at least see the Volkswagen ID.4, Ireland’s favourite EV, in tenth place on its list, with 48 examples sold across the year. Petrol hybrids outsold EVs in Kerry in 2023, with 17.97% of its total new-car sales.

SOUTH-EAST

Co. Carlow = 1,255 sales (1.03% of nat. total); EV sales 17.05% of Carlow’s figures
Co. Kilkenny = 2,042 sales (1.67% of nat. total); EV sales 13.52% of Kilkenny’s figures
Co. Tipperary = 2,926 sales (2.39% of nat. total); EV sales 12.92% of Tipperary’s figures
Co. Waterford = 2,752 sales (2.25% of nat. total); EV sales 15.12% of Waterford’s figures
Co. Wexford = 2,847 sales (2.33% of nat. total); EV sales 17.95% of Wexford’s figures

None of the south-east counties particularly bucked the national trend, with petrol and diesel taking the top two spots in all five locations – albeit diesel won out (with 29.08% market share) in Tipperary. Hybrid cars performed well across the region, though, while the pure-electric ID.4 appeared in ninth on Waterford’s list and a more impressive fifth in Wexford.

SHANNON

Co. Clare = 2,398 sales (1.96% of nat. total); EV sales 17.56% of Clare’s figures
Co. Limerick = 3,801 sales (3.11% of nat. total); EV sales 15.44% of Limerick’s figures

Clare seems to be moving towards EVs earlier than some other counties in Ireland. EVs’ market share in the location was almost at the national average level of take-up. Petrol hybrids also took more than 20% market share in each county of the Shannon area, while the Volkswagen ID.4 was on the top-ten list of both places too – seventh with 71 sales in Clare, eighth with 88 sales in Limerick.

DUBLIN AND EAST MIDLANDS

Electric Cars Dublin

Dublin = 53,954 sales (44.11% of nat. total); EV sales 20.32% of Dublin’s figures
Co. Kildare = 5,194 sales (4.25% of nat. total); EV sales 24.22% of Kildare’s figures
Co. Laois = 1,362 sales (1.11% of nat. total); EV sales 15.71% of Laois’ figures
Co. Longford = 534 sales (0.44% of nat. total); EV sales 13.48% of Longford’s figures
Co. Louth = 2,649 sales (2.17% of nat. total); EV sales 17.18% of Louth’s figures
Co. Meath = 4,167 sales (3.41% of nat. total); EV sales 25.1% of Meath’s figures
Co. Offaly = 1,312 sales (1.07% of nat. total); EV sales 12.73% of Offaly’s figures
Co. Westmeath = 1,655 sales (1.35% of nat. total); EV sales 16.56% of Westmeath’s figures
Co. Wicklow = 2,780 sales (2.27% of nat. total); EV sales 32.52% of Wicklow’s figures

Understandably, in the counties clustered around Dublin – which itself accounted for nearly half of all new-car sales in Ireland in 2023 – the take-up of EVs and hybrids seems to be gathering pace faster than in the rest of the country. But the EV honours do not go to Dublin county; despite the fact a chunky 10,966 new pure EVs were registered in Dublin last year, outstripping diesel, petrol cars still easily led the way there with 30.28% market share.

Instead, it falls on Co. Wicklow to fly the EV flag for Ireland. It is the only county in the entire country where EV sales outstripped all other fuel types – 904 new electric cars were sold there in 2023, representing 30.28% market share, easily beating petrol, petrol-electric non-plug-in hybrids and diesel. Plug-in petrol hybrids only marked 180 sales, so it would seem the people of Wicklow are far more prepared to go all-in on electric power, rather than opting for the ‘safety net’ of a plug-in hybrid.

Indeed, four of the top ten best-selling models in Wicklow were pure EVs: the Tesla Model Y in second; the Volkswagen ID.4 in third, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in eighth and the MG4 in ninth. Also, both Tesla and MG featured on Wicklow’s list of most successful marques when neither carmaker are in Dublin’s top-ten list.

Tesla did find favour in Co. Kildare, though, ending up seventh on its list with 213 sales, the Model Y coming sixth on the model rundown. It wasn’t the top-selling EV in Kildare, however, as that honour went to the national champion, Volkswagen’s ID.4 – it shifted 172 units in 2023 in the location, representing 3.31% market share.

Most of the other counties in the area followed the national trend of petrol and diesel topping the sales charts, although both Co. Laois and Co. Longford saw diesel as their preferred fuel source – at least Laois had the ID.4 in eighth place and the Kia Niro (sold as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full EV) in ninth. In Co. Louth, buyers preferred petrol-hybrid power (non-plug-in) for their economical motoring, with 525 sales outperforming diesel.

After Co. Wicklow, Co. Meath seems to be adopting electrified vehicles to a greater degree than the national average. Some 1,046 EVs were registered there in 2023, only beaten by petrol, while petrol hybrids came in third. Diesels came in fourth.

WEST

Electric Cars Galway

Co. Galway = 4,813 sales (3.94% of nat. total); EV sales 17.2% of Galway’s figures
Co. Mayo = 2,057 sales (1.68% of nat. total); EV sales 12.01% of Mayo’s figures
Co. Roscommon = 1,141 sales (0.93% of nat. total); EV sales 10.78% of Wicklow’s figures

Lower-than-average take-up of full EVs is demonstrated in both Mayo and Roscommon, while both the latter county and Galway have diesel as their preferred form of motive power. That said, non-plug-in petrol hybrids beat petrol in Roscommon, while the Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV featured in seventh on Galway’s annual sales chart and tenth in Roscommon. In Mayo, nine out of ten of the best-selling models were vehicles with either hybrid or electric versions in their ranges, with only the Volkswagen T-Roc proving popular despite being sold as just a petrol or a diesel vehicle.

NORTH-WEST

Co. Cavan = 1,251 sales (1.02% of nat. total); EV sales 12.95% of Cavan’s figures
Co. Donegal = 2,577 sales (2.11% of nat. total); EV sales 11.84% of Donegal’s figures
Co. Leitrim = 449 sales (0.37% of nat. total); EV sales 12.92% of Leitrim’s figures
Co. Monaghan = 935 sales (0.76% of nat. total); EV sales 10.37% of Monaghan’s figures
Co. Sligo = 1,118 sales (0.91% of nat. total); EV sales 16.19% of Sligo’s figures

In all five north-west counties, petrol and diesel took the top two spots, with diesel actually triumphant in three of them – Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan. Petrol hybrids (non-plug-in) beat EVs in every county, too, although the Kia Niro was sixth in Donegal, while the Volkswagen ID.4 came in fifth in Sligo and eighth in Leitrim.

Interestingly, Monaghan completely bucked the national trends by having Spanish firm SEAT – perhaps the least electrified of the Volkswagen Group marques – as its preferred manufacturer, with the Ateca second in its best-selling models list, the Tarraco fourth and the Arona seventh. SEAT also featured in ninth on Sligo’s top ten list, with Mazda making a rare appearance in tenth.

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1st prize

Justin McKeown – Mackessy Technology Ltd

Shane Luz – Mackessy Technology Ltd

Hugh Arnold – Vendor Finance Ltd

Ger Toher – Motion

92 Pts

2nd Prize

Daragh Leavy – Bluebell Motor Company

Graeme Leavy – Bluebell Motor Company

Mark Leavy – Bluebell Motor Company

Pieter Van Der Linde – Joe Norris Motors

89 Pts

3rd Prize

Tim Corbally – Kingstown Motors

Brian Mohan – Kingstown Motors

Joe Hutton – Hutton & Meade

Paul Higgins – Hutton & Meade

86 Pts

4th Prize

Bruce Ballagh – Broughan Motors

James Byrne – Broughan Motors

Alan Craven – Centre Point Autos

Ricky Mak – Motion

85 Pts

Winner of the long drive was David Dolan of Bright Motor Group.

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Some of the key policies announced include:

1. Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT): No increases in VRT for Electric Vehicles (EVs) or Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
2. VRT Relief on EVs: The existing relief, which was set to expire at the end of this year, has been extended until the end of 2025. This means that EVs valued at €40,000 will continue to be exempt from VRT, with a tapering relief for vehicles between €40,000 and €50,000.
3. Benefit-in-Kind (BIK): The €10,000 deduction applied to Original Market Value Deduction for specific vehicle categories is extended for 2024.
4. Extension of the EV tapering mechanism for BIK relief for Electric Vehicles until December 31, 2025, with reductions to €20,000 in 2026 and €10,000 in 2027.
5. Combined, these extensions create a 0% BIK threshold for EVs as follows: €45,000 in 2024, €35,000 in 2025, €20,000 in 2026, and €10,000 in 2027.
6. Other motor-related taxes: Excise on petrol and diesel fuels will increase by 50% on April 1, 2024, and again by 50% on August 1, 2024. The previously scheduled Carbon Tax increase took effect on October 11.
7. Accelerated Capital Allowances for EVs have been extended for three years.

Commenting on Budget 2024, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said:
 “SIMI welcomes the measures announced in today’s Budget, in particular the extension of the current VRT and Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) reliefs for Electric Vehicles. In addition, the retention of the current VRT regime allied with the EV reliefs provides stability and clarity to the Motor Industry and motorists at a time of great uncertainty. The EV supports underline the Government’s commitment towards the electrification of the national fleet, which is of critical important as we strive to meet our emissions’ reduction goals. We still await clarification of the ongoing investment in both the charging infrastructure and the SEAI purchase grants, which are also vital to the ongoing success of the EV project.”

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