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In the most recent Irish Fuel Survey conducted by the AA we can see it's not good news for combustion powered cars with an increase in petrol and diesel prices for January. According to the survey, petrol prices have risen by 2 cents to an average of €1.76 per litre, while diesel prices have increased by 3 cents to €1.73 per litre. The rise in fuel prices follows an increase in crude oil prices, from $73 to $82 per barrel.   Electric vehicle owners however got some good news with electricity rates decreasing this month. The average cost to cover 17,000 km annually for EV drivers is now €811.20 which is a further reduction compared to the previous survey reports.   Elena Leao, Marketing & PR, AA (Ireland), said, "It’s disappointing to see petrol and diesel prices rise again this month, as motorists continue to feel the strain. However, it’s positive news for EV drivers who are seeing a decrease in their annual costs. We advise all motorists, whether in petrol, diesel, or EV vehicles, to stay informed and look for opportunities to reduce costs by using energy-efficient driving practices and monitoring energy rates.”   Maintaining your vehicle properly and reducing driving speed can help improve fuel efficiency and performance. "Simple things like checking your tyre pressure and thread depth, fluid levels, and removing unnecessary weight can all make a significant difference in fuel efficiency. Regular servicing is recommended to improve fuel efficiency by keeping key components such as the engine, air filters, and tyres in optimal condition. A well-maintained engine runs more smoothly and uses fuel more efficiently.”  Leao added.    For more information on the January AA Fuel Survey and tips on saving on fuel costs, visit AA Ireland's website.

Our annual website traffic reports show a significant visitor increase to the motoring section this time of the year as many of you prepare to change vehicle. To some, this can be a daunting experience with so many financial options for purchasing a car now at your disposal. With this in mind, we decided to look at the financial offerings outside of a cash purchase and discuss the lingo and added extras a buyer might expect. Personal Contract Purchase PCP is a flexible car financing option where buyers make an initial deposit followed by monthly payments over a set term, typically 3 years. Unlike traditional loans, these payments cover only the car's depreciation, not the full value. At the end of the term, buyers have three options: return the car, make a final "balloon" payment to own it, or trade it in for a new vehicle using any equity as a deposit. PCP often results in lower monthly payments compared to standard financing and has become very popular with Irish buyers. Hire Purchase HP is a car financing option where buyers pay an initial deposit, followed by fixed monthly payments over an agreed term. Unlike leasing, these payments go towards owning the car. Once all payments, including interest, are made, ownership of the vehicle transfers to the buyer. During the payment period, the car is legally owned by the finance company, but the buyer can use it as their own. HP typically results in higher monthly payments compared to PCP but guarantees ownership at the end of the term. Lease Car leasing involves renting a vehicle for a fixed period, typically 2-4 years, with agreed monthly payments. At the start, you will pay an initial deposit, followed by regular payments covering the car's depreciation during the lease term. The lessee doesn't own the car and must return it at the end of the lease or may have the option to purchase it for a predetermined price. Leasing often includes mileage limits and may offer lower monthly payments than buying. On The Road Price OTRP refers to the total cost of purchasing a car, including all necessary expenses to get it legally on the road. This comprehensive price typically includes the vehicle's basic cost, VAT, registration fees, road tax, and the cost of delivery to the dealership. It may also cover other essentials like number plates and sometimes a warranty. Essentially, the OTRP is the full amount a buyer needs to pay to drive the car away without any additional costs. Lender Types Here in Ireland there are several types of lenders offer financing options for car purchases, lets look at the 5 most common: Banks -  Traditional banks provide car loans with fixed or variable interest rates, allowing borrowers to purchase new or used vehicles. Credit Unions -  Credit unions offer competitive car loans, often with personalised service and lower interest rates for members. Car Dealerships -  Many dealerships provide financing options directly or through partnerships with financial institutions, including hire purchase and PCP agreements. Specialised Car Finance Companies -  These lenders focus specifically on vehicle financing, offering various loan products tailored to buyers’ needs. Online Lenders -  Some online financial institutions offer quick, convenient car loans with competitive rates and flexible terms. These options cater to different financial needs and preferences, providing flexibility for car buyers Added Extras Many car companies offer free service plans or vouchers as part of promotional packages when purchasing a new vehicle. These offers can vary by manufacturer and dealership but typically include: Free Service Plans -  Some manufacturers provide complimentary maintenance for a set period or mileage, covering routine services like oil changes, inspections, and filter replacements. Vouchers -  Dealerships may offer vouchers for services they provide internally or generic shopping vouchers with companies they have partnered with. Extended Warranties - Occasionally, extended warranties that cover additional repairs and services beyond the standard warranty are offered. Naturally these incentives are designed to enhance the value of the purchase and encourage regular vehicle maintenance. The advice from our DoneDeal  experts is to carry out your own du diligence to ascertain what option best suits your needs. Always do a comparison of vehicle prices between dealers on www.donedeal.ie  and lending rates from those who, you are interested in borrowing from. The good news is, there are plenty of options!

Jeep Ireland has unveiled an electrifying new initiative designed to simplify the car-buying experience and boost confidence in the shift to electric vehicles (EVs). For the first time, the entire Jeep Avenger range – encompassing petrol, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains – will be available at the same price, starting from €29,995. This groundbreaking "common pricing" approach removes the cost barrier often associated with EV adoption. It will ensure customers can choose the powertrain that best suits their lifestyle without worrying about a price premium for going electric. But Jeep Ireland’s innovation doesn’t stop there. Recognising that some customers may feel uncertain about making the leap to electric, Jeep Ireland is offering an exclusive Peace of Mind guarantee. Customers who purchase the fully electric Jeep Avenger can drive it for six months, and if it doesn’t meet their expectations, they can exchange it for a petrol or hybrid version. John Saunders, Managing Director at Jeep Ireland, commented: "We are thrilled to bring this innovative pricing and guarantee to the Irish market. The Jeep Avenger has been designed to deliver exceptional performance and versatility across all powertrains. By introducing common pricing and the Peace of Mind offer, we’re making it easier than ever for Irish drivers to embrace electric vehicles while providing a safety net for those still exploring this exciting transition." The Jeep Avenger, crowned European Car of the Year 2023 , combines rugged Jeep DNA with modern styling, advanced technology, and outstanding efficiency. Whether petrol, hybrid, or fully electric, every Avenger offers the same iconic Jeep experience that has captured hearts worldwide. Jeep Ireland’s Freedom to Choose Electric Offer is available now. Visit your local Jeep Dealer or check out our trusted dealer network on www.donedeal.ie

Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 have been named “Car of the Year 2025”. The result was announced at a ceremony organised by the European COTY “Car of the Year” jury at the Brussels motor show in Belgium on Monday 10 January. This award highlights the relevance of the electrification strategy and the quality of the new Renault and Alpine models, developed as part of the Renaulution plan. Unique in Europe, the AmpR Small platform allows both vehicles to deliver a high level of customer value, while leaving each brand free to express its own positioning in terms of design, development, onboard technologies and customer experience. In the first round of voting last November, Renault 5 E-Tech electric, entered jointly with Alpine A290, was named as one of seven finalists, alongside Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroën ë-C3/C3, Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Inster and Kia EV3. The winning duo was chosen by 60 motoring journalists from 23 countries. Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 took first place with 353 points. Renault's new electric pop icon becomes the eighth brand vehicle to win the prestigious “Car of the Year” award after Renault 16 (1966), Renault 9 (1982), Clio I (1991), Scenic (1997), Megane (2003), Clio III (2006) and Scenic E-Tech electric (2024). In 2024, Renault reinvented R5 with an all-electric version, designed to increase the pace of electrification on the European market. Renault 5 E-Tech electric makes electric mobility desirable with its captivating design and the joyful, intuitive experience delivered by its electric and digital technologies. The entry-level model will be available this year from €25,000, before government incentives, in countries where these aids are applicable. Built locally in northern France within the Ampere ElectriCity pole as part of a sustainable production system, the “Car of the Year” 2025 has all the qualities necessary to establish itself as the benchmark city car for the energy transition. For over twelve years, Renault has sought to bring electric mobility within everybody’s reach. Following the launch of Megane and Scenic in the C segment, Renault is extending its E-Tech electric range to the B segment with Renault 5 and Renault 4, which will be launched later this year. These last two models play a key role in accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles and strengthening Renault's position as a leader in the new era of sustainable mobility.

The Road Safety Authority has called on vehicle owners to embrace year-round responsibility for maintaining their cars, rather than relying on the National Car Test to identify faults. Customer satisfaction surveys have continuously highlighted the disappointing culture of vehicle owners using the NCT as a diagnostic tool, contributing to inefficiencies in the system and increasing risks to road safety.    NCT: A Roadworthiness Test, Not a Diagnostic Service   The NCT is designed to ensure vehicles on the road are roadworthy and safe at a point in time when the test is undertaken. However, many vehicle owners are presenting their cars for testing without addressing known maintenance issues. The Service tested over 1.7 million vehicles in 2024 - an increase of 144,000 vehicles compared to 2023. To ensure that the growing demand is met, it is important that well-maintained vehicles are presented for testing.    "Maintaining your vehicle is a year-round responsibility. We use our vehicles for work and to transport our families, so ensuring our vehicles are maintained to a high standard should be a year-round focus not something to focus on only before your NCT," said Brendan Walsh, Chief Operations Officer with the RSA.    "Regular upkeep ensures your car is safe, roadworthy, and operating efficiently at all times. Proactively addressing known issues before your test improves your chances of passing and helps the NCT system operate more efficiently, freeing up capacity for others."     Increase in "Fail Dangerous" Results: A Cause for Concern   In 2024, 7.4% of vehicles received a "Fail Dangerous" result following the NCT, up from 6.9% in 2023. This concerning increase poses a direct and immediate risk to road safety. It is an offence to drive a vehicle with dangerous defects on public roads.    Tyres are the leading cause of "Fail Dangerous" results, often due to tread depths below the legal limit of 1.6mm. Other significant causes include issues with the chassis/underbody and brake lines/hoses. The RSA reminds vehicle owners of the critical importance of regularly checking and maintaining these components to avoid serious safety risks.    What Happens When a Vehicle receives a ‘Fail Dangerous’ test result?   Vehicles that receive a "Fail Dangerous" result are subject to the following actions:  ·        A "Failed Dangerous" sticker is affixed to the vehicle, with legal information provided on the reverse.  ·        Vehicle owners are advised verbally and in writing not to drive the vehicle until the defects are repaired.  ·        The vehicle’s details are shared with the National Vehicle and Driver File (NDVF) and the Gardaí, who have direct access to this information for enforcement purposes.    For more information on vehicle maintenance and road safety please visit www.rsa.ie

Month: 21 Units +110% change (compared with December 2023) Year to Date: 1,817 Units -12% change (compared with full year 2023) The latest FTMTA Statistics Service Report for December 2024 shows a reduced level of activity in the farm machinery sector in Ireland with new tractor registrations showing a 12% reduction. The numbers of imported used tractors, registered for the first time in Ireland, increased by 10% compared with the same month of December 2023. Tractors The December 2024 new tractor market at 21 units was 110% higher compared with the same month in 2023. There were 1,817 new tractors registered for the full year of 2024; a 12% decline compared with the full year of 2023. County Cork continues to deliver the highest number of new tractor registrations at 230 units for the year-to-date, while Tipperary is ranked in second place with 161 units followed by Meath in third place at 105 units each. The most popular power band for 2024 was the 161hp to 200hp category, which accounted for 22.01% of all new tractor registrations for the year. Registrations of tractors in the power band between 100hp and 140hp decreased by 4.67% in 2024 compared with 2023. The over 200hp category accounted for 12.27% of all new tractors, up from 8.65% in 2023. The monthly average tractor horsepower figure for December 2024 dropped to 97hp and the largest tractor registered was rated at 182hp. The FTMTA data shows that 218 imported used tractors were first-time registered in Ireland in December 2024, 21 units more than in December 2023. For the full year of 2024, 2,767 used tractors were imported and registered in Ireland for the first time, a 4% decline. Telescopic Loaders The Irish market for new telescopic loaders reported an increase in December 2024 at 7 units compared with December 2023 when no new units were registered. The year-to-date market shows a 1.98% increase in registrations. The two leading brands JCB and Manitou account for 70% of the total new market, while Kramer is ranked third with a healthy 12% market share. There were 37 imported used telescopic loaders registered in December 2024. Wheeled Loaders The Irish wheeled loader market recorded a slightly higher number of new registrations in December 2024 at 4 units, compared with December 2023, while the year-to-date market decreased by 19.19%. The position of the smaller Chinese manufactured machines is significant at 47% of the total year-to-date new wheeled loader registrations in Ireland. There were 4 imported used wheeled loaders registered in Ireland in December 2024. Backhoe Loaders There was no new backhoe loader registered in December 2024 compared with December 2023 when one new machine was registered. There were 4 used backhoe loaders registered in December 2024 in Ireland. UTV Registrations There were 3 new UTV’s registered in Ireland in December 2024, with just one used imported UTV registered for the first time. For the year-to-date 281 new UTV’s were registered in Ireland. New & Used Tractor Registrations by Month Ireland December 2024 – FTMTA Month New Tractors Registrations Month Used Tractor Registrations January 431 January 202 February 231 February 225 March 216 March 245 April 191 April 263 May 161 May 302 June 60 June 202 July 237 July 264 August 111 August 213 September 77 September 206 October 59 October 223 November 22 November 214 December 21 December 218 Total 1,817 Total 2,767 The FTMTA Statistics Service Reports are compiled from monthly raw data received only from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, which is responsible for all first-time registrations of new and used vehicles in Ireland. For more information contact: Michael Farrelly, Executive Director Tel: 045-409309 Email: info@ftmta.ie Issued by FTMTA Statistics Service – 8 January 2025

Ireland’s winters are usually particularly mild and wet but 2025 has kicked off in subzero temperatures presenting road users with a  unique set of challenges and risks. Here in DoneDeal we believe it is important that both the vehicle and driver are prepared for these harsh conditions and its crucial for our safety. Let’s have a look at how to manage these conditions, including the potential security risks associated with leaving your car running outside your house. Vehicle Preparation Inspect Your Tyres One of the most critical aspects of driving in subzero conditions is ensuring your vehicle is equipped with good all weather tyres. Irish winters don't usually necessitate full winter tyres but if you are in a position to make the switch, you will experience better traction on icy and snowy roads. The rubber compounds in winter tyres remain flexible in low temperatures, allowing for improved grip. Failing this, ensure all weather tyres are fitted and in good conditon with ample thread. Battery Health Check Cold weather can significantly affect a car battery’s performance. It is good practice before winter sets in to have your battery tested to ensure it's in good condition. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it as a precaution. This applies to electric vehicle owners also as there is a 12-volt battery to power ancillaries alongside the main power source battery. Check Fluid Levels Check and top off all essential fluids, including antifreeze, oil, and windscreen washer fluid. Use winter-grade oil if your vehicle's manufacturer recommends it, as it flows more easily in cold temperatures. Again some of this applies to electric vehicle owners also. Although EV's have fewer moving parts there is brake fluid, coolant and windscreen washer fluids to name but a few. Inspect Windscreen Wipers Replace your windscreen wipers if needed to ensure they can effectively clear snow and ice. Also, keep your windscreen washer fluid reservoir full with a fluid that won't freeze in low temperatures. Does Your Car Have an Emergency Kit ? It is a good idea to equip your car with an emergency kit that includes a blanket, flashlight, secondary phone charger, food, water, a first aid kit, and jumper cables. This items can make all the difference should you be unlucky enough to breakdown or get stuck in snow. Adapt Good Driving Techniques The number one thing to do is slow down! Speeding in icy conditions is a leading cause of accidents. Drive slower than usual to maintain better control of your vehicle and increase your stopping distance: The stopping distance on icy roads is much longer than on dry roads. Increase the space between your car and the vehicle ahead to give yourself more time to react. Sudden movements should be avoided also because they can cause your vehicle to lose traction. Be gentle with the steering, acceleration, and braking to avoid skidding. Check the forecast before heading out. Adhere to the coloured warnings issued by Met Éireann. If the forecast predicts severe weather, consider postponing non-essential travel. Security Risks of Leaving Your Car Running Our DoneDeal offices have heard numerous reports opportunists taking advantage of cars left running outside of homes and businesses  However tempting it may be to warm the vehicle up before driving, it does pose a significant security risk. An unattended running car is a prime target for thieves. It only takes a few seconds for someone to jump in and drive away, especially if the keys are in the ignition. This can then pose all sorts of issues with your insurance company, many of which, will be reluctant to pay out on a vehicle that was running. Where possible be with the car, if you have an electric car, familiarise yourself with the preconditioning heating settings. To Summarise We now know driving in subzero conditions requires preparation, patience, and an understanding of the risks involved. By taking the necessary precautions highlighted above you can ensure a safer and more secure winter driving experience. Always prioritise safety by preparing your vehicle, adopting cautious driving habits, and being mindful of the potential security risks associated with idling an unattended vehicle.

Škoda Auto is advancing its electrification strategy with the unveiling of the new Enyaq family, one of Europe’s most successful all‑electric model series. Both the Škoda Enyaq and the Škoda Enyaq Coupé now feature the brand’s new Modern Solid design language, reinforcing their visual appeal. The updated Enyaq has improved aerodynamics together with more sustainable materials. When launched in Ireland in early Autumn, the new Enyaq will have enhanced digital capabilities and more advanced assistance systems.  John Donegan, Brand Director of Škoda Ireland, says: “Since their launch in 2020, the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé have made e-mobility a reality for over 250,000 customers worldwide. The new Enyaq will arrive in Ireland in early Autumn, 2025 with a more stylish design and exceptional electric range. The new Enyaq will build on the success of the current model with generous amounts of interior and luggage space, efficient drivetrains and an excellent value proposition. Together with our new Modern Solid design language, more comprehensive standard equipment, and new digital features we are very confident the new Enyaq will be as appealing as ever”  Similar to today, the new Enyaq will have the choice of two batteries and three powertrains: the Enyaq 60 (150 kW) and the Enyaq 85 (210 kW), each have one electric motor and rear-wheel drive, while the Enyaq 85x comes with an additional motor at the front and all-wheel drive.  For the interior, customers can choose between six distinct Design Selections, including a new sustainable "Lodge" Design Selection.  The new Enyaq will arrive in Ireland in early Autumn 2025. Prices will be announced closer to the date.

Believe it or not, research has found some 85% of electric vehicle (EV) owners plan to stick with electric when buying their next car. A survey of more than 2,000 owners of Volkswagen Group cars in Ireland also found that half of non-EV owners, 50%, believe they will own a fully electric vehicle within the next 10 years.   The online survey, which was carried out by Core Research for Volkswagen Group Ireland as part of a white paper on EV ownership (attached), involved 708 EV owners and 1,605 owners of conventional petrol or diesel models.  The results show the perceptions of EV ownership held by non-EV owners are radically different to the actual experience of owners.   Owning is believing Once motorists make the switch to an EV, they tend to remain steadfast in their choice. The survey found that 60% of EV owners “love their EV” and will not be returning to petrol or diesel cars. A further 25% said that, while it took some adjustment to switch to an EV, they were happy they had done so and would likely stick with an EV for their next vehicle. Just 2% of EV owners said they wanted to return to owning a petrol or diesel car.   More than half of non-EV owners, 55%, said they were not looking to buy an EV, but 45% said they could be convinced to switch. A total of 50% of non-EV drivers said they expected to be driving a fully electric car within the next ten years, with 20% of this total expecting this to be the case in the next four years.    Expectations Vs experience Participants were asked to choose from a list of potential issues that would determine their next choice of car. The survey showed that non-EV owners are much more likely to perceive matters such as charging frequency and the range of EVs to be of concern than the actual owners of EV cars.    A total of 60% of non-EV drivers said they would be concerned or don’t feel fully informed about the possibility of running out of charge in an EV, but just 25% of owners shared this concern. A total of 43% of non-EV drivers said the same about how often EVs require charging, compared with 10% of EV owners.   A similar gap in perception and ownership was evident when non-EV owners were asked to estimate the frequency of charging EV ownership requires. A total of 20% of non-EV drivers think they would need to fully charge their car at home every day, but just 3% of EV owners said they do this while 44% of non-EV drivers said they would struggle with or have reservations about how often they would need to charge their car compared with just 14% of EV drivers.   Going the distance The survey found little difference in the amount of annual kilometres EV and non-EV drivers said they drive each year. A total of 24% of both EV and non-EV drivers said they drive between 15,000 to 19,999 kms annually while 29% of EV drivers said they drive 20,000 kms or more, very close to the 32% of non-EV drivers who said they drive the same distance annually. A total of 89% of EV owners said they had a parking space or driveway at home where they could charge their car and that it was already fitted with a home charging unit while 75% of non-EV drivers said they had a parking space or driveway where they could install a home charging unit.   The survey also found that the vast majority of EV drivers are generally satisfied with their choice of car. EV owners praised electric car traits such as a premium feel, innovation and the seamless integration of software and apps. Only a small proportion said they were “not satisfied” or “very unsatisfied” with aspects of ownership such as tyre wear (11%). The findings showed, however, that some EV owners (28%) still have concerns about the practicalities of using public charging facilities while 53% said that this is a part of ownership they have struggled with or still have reservations about.   Breaking down barriers The findings suggest that similar concerns may be holding non-EV owners back from switching to an EV and could be addressed by the provision of improved public charging facilities. When asked about areas where car companies could do more to inform and support customers, 52% of EV owners and 66% of non-EV owners said they would like more information and reassurance on the battery life and warranty of EVs.   Manufacturers have sought to reassure both EV owners and would-be owners of the extensive warranties they offer while also highlighting research showing the reliability of electric car batteries and their ability to retain performance over time.   Accelerating adoption Responding to the survey’s findings, Volkswagen Group Ireland said the rate of adoption of EVs could be increased by promoting the benefits of EV ownership to more motorists and seeking to dispel myths and misinformation. The company has also urged policymakers to increase incentives for car buyers choosing EVs and to accelerate the rollout of public charging infrastructure.    Pierre Boutin, Chief Executive of Volkswagen Group Ireland said: “ There has been a slowdown in the rate of EV adoption, and this has occurred for a number of reasons. Some motorists have genuinely held, but often misplaced, concerns about the practicality of EV ownership while others are uncertain about the benefits of owning an EV due to myths and misinformation.     “If we are going to successfully transition to electric motoring and meet emissions targets, there is a need for better public charging infrastructure and for more incentives, but there is also a knowledge gap, which can and should be addressed. The survey findings show that the perceptions of EV ownership do not match the lived experience of actual EV owners. They also clearly show that there is an opportunity for policymakers and manufacturers to provide better and more targeted information to the motoring public. Collectively, we need to highlight the measures already in place to reassure buyers that they are making the right decision when buying their next car.”

The official numbers for 2024 have been realesed by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry and they make for interesting reading. First off, a total new car registrations for the last twelve months finished at 121,195, a slight decrease of 1% compared to 2023 (122,400).  New Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations in 2024 saw an increase of 7% (30,786) compared to 2023 (28,854). New Heavy Commercial Vehicle registrations (HGV) increased by 8% (2,865) in comparison to 2023 (2,655). Imported Used Cars saw 61,583 registrations in 2024, an increase of 21.4% on 2023 (50,716). 17,459 new electric cars were registered in 2024, a decrease of 23.6% from the 22,852 registrations seen in 2023.  Market share for 2024 seen Petrol account for 30.31%, Diesel 22.80%, Hybrid 20.92%, Electric 14.41%, and Plug-In Hybrid 10.02%. Petrol remains the most popular engine type for 2024, while Electric, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid account for over 45% of the market.  Automatic transmissions now account for 66.09% of the market share, while manual transmissions have declined to 33.80%. The hatchback continues to remain Ireland’s top-selling car body type of 2024. While grey has retained the top-selling colour title for the ninth year running.  Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:  “The new car market in 2024 was in line with the previous year, with new car registrations finishing at 121,195 units, slightly behind 2023 (122,400 units). Commercial Vehicles Sales, underlining the growth in employment and activity across the Irish economy, were more positive with LCV registrations finishing 7% ahead of last year and HGVs up 8% on 2023. The key feature of the 2024 new car market was the decline in Electric Vehicle sales, a reduction of 24% compared to 2023. There has however been some tentative signs of a turnaround in EV sales towards the end of 2024, and the Industry is anticipating an increase in EV sales in 2025. The start of the new registration period, 251, this week, is an optimistic time for the Irish Motor Industry. With the variety of incentives and offers from retailers and manufacturers it is a good time for customers to shop for a new or used car.” 5 Top Selling New Car Brands 2024 were: 1.TOYOTA, 2.VOLKSWAGEN, 3.SKODA, 4.HYUNDAI, 5.KIA 5 Top New Car Model’s year 2024 were 1.HYUNDAI TUCSON, 2.SKODA OCTAVIA, 3.KIA SPORTAGE, 4.TOYOTA RAV 4, 5.TOYOTA YARIS CROSS 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Car Brands 2024: 1.TESLA, 2.VOLKSWAGEN, 3.KIA, 4.HYUNDAI, 5.BYD               5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Models 2024: 1.TESLA MODEL 3, 2.VOLKSWAGEN ID.4, 3.TESLA MODEL Y, 4.KIA EV6, 5.HYUNDAI KONA Top Selling New Car 2024: HYUNDAI TUCSON Top 3 Top Selling New Car Colours 2024: 1.Grey, 2.Black, 3.Blue Top New Car Body Type: Hatchback 2024 % Share of Cars by Transmission Type: Automatic 66.09% Manual 33.80%  Market share by engine type 2024: Petrol 30.31%, Diesel 22.80%, Hybrid 20.92%, Electric 14.41%, Plug-in Hybrid 10.02%

Opel Ireland and the Irish Rugby Football Union have announced a four-year sponsorship renewal. The continued partnership will see Opel remain as a proud sponsor of Irish Rugby and the exclusive car partner to the IRFU until 2028. First signing with Irish Rugby in 2021, Opel provides an extensive fleet of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to IRFU personnel. James Brooks, Opel Ireland Managing Director said: "We are immensely proud to continue our sponsorship of Irish Rugby. Since day one of our partnership, the collaboration has provided our brand with a unique platform to forge a strong connection with Irish Rugby at every level, spanning both the men's and women's teams and bolstered by an ever-growing fan base." James continued: "Opel's Drive the Passion programme, has seen hundreds of Gilberts rugby balls donated to dozens of clubs nationwide, in partnership with local Main Opel Dealers. We also quickly recognised a huge opportunity early in the partnership, to support our women's 7s and XVs teams, in particular. As such, over the course of three years, we have appointed six Opel brand ambassadors, providing each with a new Opel car, and we have delighted in seeing Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe, Stacey Flood, Linda Djougang, Aoife Dalton, Beibhinn Parsons and Aoife Wafer grow into the international Irish Rugby stars they were destined to become. Indeed, it has been magical to see these phenomenal women soar to new heights, making history and qualifying for the Olympics in 2024 and the Rugby World Cup in 2025. Two more Opel ambassador appointments, from the men's team, will follow this December."   Opel's partnership benefit includes numerous in-match and digital branding opportunities and player appearances. IRFU President, Declan Madden, said: "On behalf of the IRFU, we very much welcome this contract renewal with Opel and are delighted with the continuation of this excellent partnership. We are extremely grateful for the long-term support of partners such as Opel whose backing helps grow the game in Ireland. They have a long association of supporting the game of Rugby Union, as well as other sports, in Ireland and we look forward to working together in the years to come."

The total number of new cars sold in Ireland during 2024 fell marginally by 1.0% to 121,012 units compared to 2023. Despite the slight decline in new car sales, the demand for vehicles remains robust, evidenced by the 61,555 used imports registered in 2024 — a 21.5% increase compared to 2023. Looking ahead, Škoda Ireland projects a more optimistic outlook for 2025, with a market of 125,000 passenger vehicle achievable. In terms of market trends, 2024 saw no significant shifts in vehicle types. Small and medium SUVs continued to dominate, accounting for 55% of sales, while standard petrol-powered cars represented 30% of the market. Diesel-powered vehicles, which had experienced eight consecutive years of decline, saw a slight recovery in 2024, with a 1.3% increase in sales, totaling 27,480 units. Škoda maintained its leading position in the diesel segment, increasing its share from 21% to 26%, supported by its Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) initiative. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) emerged as the fastest-growing segment in 2024, with 12,138 units registered—a 20.4% increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by Korean and premium brands. The PHEV segment is expected to see continued expansion in 2025, bolstered by the introduction of new market entrants and longer-range models like the Škoda Superb, which offers an electric range of over 130 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. While electric vehicle (EV) sales declined by 24% in 2024, with 17,450 units registered, it still marked the second-best year on record for the segment. Škoda Ireland is optimistic about a rebound in EV sales to 2023 levels next year, driven by the launch of new smaller and inexpensive market entrants including its competitively priced electric SUV, the Škoda Elroq. Škoda expects to triple its EV sales in Ireland to over 1,500 units in the coming year. Another notable trend is the growing preference for automatic transmissions, which accounted for 66% of all vehicles sold in 2024. This marks a significant shift from just five years ago when manual vehicles outsold automatics by 2 to 1. With stricter emission standards favoring automatic transmissions, manual transmissions will become increasingly rare over the next five years. Irish car buyers’ color preferences remain consistent, with grey/silver leading the way at 38% of sales (46,510 units), followed by black at 19% (23,515 units). This ranking has remained unchanged since data collection began in 2008! Consumers now enjoy more choices than ever before, with 41 car brands registered in Ireland in 2024, up from 33 in 2019. More brands are expected to enter the Irish market in 2025. Commenting on the 2024 results, John Donegan, Brand Director at Škoda Ireland, stated: “Despite some global uncertainties I am optimistic regarding 2025. Inflation is under control and unemployment remains low. A total market of 125,000 new vehicles next year is achievable, with the Škoda brand to maintain third position. The Škoda brand has enjoyed its most successful year in the Irish market, with 12,181 vehicles delivered to customers. Škoda has outgrown every other brand in the market, increasing our share from 8.3% in 2023 to 10.1% this year. Our momentum will continue into 2025 with improved availability of Plug-In Hybrid Kodiaq, Superb, and the fully electric Enyaq.  The industry is changing at a faster pace than ever before. Electrification, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence will provide both challenges and opportunities for our brand in the coming years. I would like to thank our dealer network and customers for their support and custom in 2024 and wish them a prosperous New Year.”