New car sales crept up in Northern Ireland last month, but are still lagging behind the total for the same time last year.
Some 4,447 new models left showrooms in the north during April, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
That's up 1 per cent, or 44 vehicles, on the total for the same month a year earlier (4,403).
But while the January-April period in 2014 saw 23,057 new vehicles sold in Northern Ireland, so far this year just 22,742 cars have been registered, a fall of nearly 1.5 per cent.
And while the modest monthly uplift may warm the hearts of motor traders, it's been a muted start to 2015 compared to the buoyant performances elsewhere in the UK, with England up 7.23 per cent since the start of the year, Wales up 4.05 per cent and Scotland up 1.59 per cent.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "These figures highlight the current strength of consumer confidence, even at a time of such political uncertainty.
"We are confident that the UK's new car market - so symbolic of economic mood - will continue to thrive, but long-term success will depend largely on economic and political stability in the months and years ahead."
Meanwhile Randalstown-based motor dealer John Mulholland Motors has secured a £2 million deal to supply a new fleet of Skodas to the north's largest taxi firm Value Cabs, bringing its fleet to almost 700 vehicles.
Mulholland Motors - recently named as the UK's Skoda Retailer of The Year - has been supplying the taxi giant with vehicles for the last decade.
John Mulholland said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be continuing this long-standing business relationship.
"Value Cabs has been instrumental in assisting us with the promotion of the Skoda brand in Northern Ireland. The firm now carries 110,000 passengers a week and has created a true presence and marketing opportunity for us both.
"It now has the youngest taxi fleet in Northern Ireland, with each car equipped with the latest digital chip and pin payment options, computerised control centre tracking and uniformed drivers."
Christopher McCausland, managing director of Value Cabs, said: "We're delighted to have agreed another deal with Skoda and the award-winning John Mulholland Motors to supply a large portion of our new fleet for 2015.
"We find the Skoda brand a great asset to our business, and the service provided by Mulholland Motors gives us peace of mind when providing a quality taxi service to our customers."
:: These were the top-selling models in Northern Ireland during April:
1 Ford Fiesta
2 Nissan Qashqai
3 Volkswagen Polo
4 Ford Focus
5 Volkswagen Golf
6 Renault Clio
7 Hyundai ix35
8 Ford Kuga
9 Hyundai i10
10 Vauxhall Mokka
