News

New car sales up 20%

NEW car sales in Northern Ireland increased by 20 per cent last month, in another indication that the north's economy is improving.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that 6,661 new cars were sold last month, compared to 5,561 in January 2013.

The 20 per cent increase in sales is the second highest in the UK, after Wales. Ford Fiesta was the most popular make of car sold in the north last year, followed by Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo.

New car sales are seen by economists as a clear indication of consumer confidence.

Figures released last month showed that 2013 was the best year for the north's motor traders since 2010.

A total of 52,460 new cars were registered in the north during 2013 - up 10 per cent on the previous year. However, the SMMT figures showed levels were still lower than record sales of 68,708 recorded in the pre-recession year of 2007.

The Republic's car industry is also thriving.

Figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that new car sales last month were up by 33 per cent compared with January in 2013.

Alan Nolan, SIMI Director General, said "there certainly is a sense of optimism in dealerships that hasn't been apparent for many years".

"It is very early days so we are still cautious in relation to where the market might end up this year but there is a strong sense that we're now above the bottom and beginning to move upwards," he said. "It's nice to be able to say that for the first time since 2008."

The three top-selling car brands in the Republic were Toyota, Volkswagen and Hyundai.

* MOST POPULAR: The Ford Fiesta