Business

SMMT: Sales of new cars down again in Northern Ireland during April

Fewer new cars were sold in Northern Ireland during April 2022 than April 2021, when the industry was under tight Covid-19 restrictions.
Fewer new cars were sold in Northern Ireland during April 2022 than April 2021, when the industry was under tight Covid-19 restrictions. Fewer new cars were sold in Northern Ireland during April 2022 than April 2021, when the industry was under tight Covid-19 restrictions.

SALES of new cars in Northern Ireland fell again last month in a fresh sign that the cost-of-living crisis is impacting consumer confidence.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT), said the 3,212 new cars registered here during April 2022 was 2.5 per cent below the number sold during April 2021, when dealerships were trading under strict Covid-19 restrictions.

Car showrooms in the north remained closed until April 30 2021, although dealers were allowed to trade outdoors from April 12 2021.

The tight restrictions on retail in early 2021 coupled with the current supply chain disruption worldwide means the total number of new cars sold in Northern Ireland in the first four months of 2022 (14,272) was 10.7 per cent higher than the same period of 2021 (12,894).

But that gap in closing as each month passes.

The drop in sales during April was more pronounced UK-wide, falling by just under 16 per cent.

The SMMT has now downgraded its forecast for the number of new cars it expects the UK motor industry to sell this year by nine per cent.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "The worldwide semiconductor shortage continues to drag down the market, with global geopolitical issues threatening to undermine both supply and demand in the coming months.

"Manufacturers are doing everything they can to deliver the latest low and zero emission vehicles, and those considering purchase should look to place their orders now to benefit from incentives, low interest rates and reduced running costs.”

According to the SMMT’s data, the Hyundai Tucson was the best-selling new car in Northern Ireland during April, shifting 112 units, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai (91); Peugeot 208 (89); Renault Captur (85) and Ford Kuga (81).