NEW car dealers in Northern Ireland sold 11 per cent more cars last month compared to August 2021, but total sales in 2022 remained almost a third down on pre-covid levels.
Some 2,998 new cars were registered in the north last month, 296 more than in August 2021.
The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed a total of 26,896 new motors were sold here in the first eight months of 2022, just 98 cars (0.37 per cent) above the same period in 2021, which was one of the worst years on record for new car registrations.
Ulster Bank’s chief economist Richard Ramsey said sales for the January to August period were 29 per cent below the pre-Covid average, the equivalent of around 11,000 fewer vehicles.
UK-wide, new car registrations increased marginally by 1.36 per cent, ending five consecutive months of decline.
August is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year for the industry in Britain as many buyers choose to wait for new GB number plates to be released in September.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "Spiralling energy costs and inflation on top of sustained supply chain challenges are piling even more pressure on the automotive industry's post-pandemic recovery, and we urgently need the new Prime Minister to tackle these challenges and restore confidence and sustainable growth.
"With September traditionally a bumper time for new car uptake, the next month will be the true barometer of industry recovery as it accelerates the transition to zero emission mobility despite the myriad challenges."
According to the SMMT, the Hyundai Tucson was the north’s bestselling new model in August, with dealers shifting 103 vehicles. It was followed by the Ford Kuga (100), Ford Puma (95), Dacia Sandero (93) and the Ford Focus (81).
