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Exciting News as Dacia has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Spring will be coming to Ireland, with the game-changing all-electric city car set to officially reach shores in mid-2024 as an all-new version, boasting significant improvements in design and equipment. The Dacia Spring, already Europe’s most affordable new electric car, lives up to Dacia’s reputation for offering unrivalled value. It has already proved a resounding success throughout Europe, with a huge number of drivers won over by its selection of features and highly attractive price. Introduced in 2021, the five-door supermini has made electric mobility widely accessible, with more than 120,000 orders placed since its launch. It also made a significant contribution to Dacia increasing its global sales in 2022 by 6.8% year-on-year against a highly challenging and receding market. Even more impressive is that three quarters of all sales have been made to individual customers, with retail car buyers finding that the Spring’s simple, fun and efficient formula makes it the perfect companion for everyday travel. Often purchased as a household’s second car, Spring is the main means of transport during the week for 90% of multiple-vehicle households who own one. Data collected from the Spring’s connected services has provided an insight into how the full four-seat hatchback has met European customers’ requirements. On average, customers’ daily commutes last under 30km and are covered at 25km/h, while in 75% of cases, the Spring is charged at home for an average duration of 3.5 hours. Patrick Magee, Dacia Country Operations Director for Ireland, said: “We are delighted that Dacia Spring will come to Ireland in 2024. It fills a niche in the Irish electric car market for a highly usable, quality EV that won’t break the bank and which makes electric vehicle ownership more realistic than ever. With over 120,000 customers already sold on the Spring’s unbeatable, ‘no-nonsense’ blend of value, efficiency and durability, Irish car buyers can look forward to an EV that’s perfectly aligned to their mobility requirements and, importantly, is done the Dacia way.” Xavier Martinet, Dacia SVP Sales, Marketing and Operations added: “Dacia is thriving in Ireland and it’s a growth market for us, so we are delighted to strengthen our range with the Dacia Spring. With Irish sales surging year-on-year and many car buyers having a recognised appetite for our brand, it is now the right time to introduce a pure electric vehicle. Spring has democratised electric vehicle ownership in Europe, offering people the chance to enjoy sustainable driving without the often-associated price premium. I’m confident that Spring will be as popular in Ireland as it has proved throughout the rest of Europe.” Full details, including timings, pricing and specification, will be announced in 2024. Customers can register their interest, receiving all the latest information via dacia.ie/contact/spring-register-your-interest.html

Škoda Auto has released the first official exterior sketches previewing the refreshed versions of its Scala compact model and Kamiq city SUV. Both models have progressive design and technology enhancements as well as features from higher vehicle classes. The new Scala and Kamiq will be celebrating their digital world premieres on 1 August. Four years on from their initial production launch, the Škoda Scala and the Škoda Kamiq are poised for a refresh. Technology updates and exterior design modifications combine to highlight each model’s key characteristics, such as the Scala’s dynamic appeal and the rugged appearance of the Kamiq. Both now sport redesigned headlights, front and rear aprons and grille. New alloy wheels and tailgate lettering in line with Škoda’s updated CI elegantly complete the revamp. Slimmed-down headlights and aprons with side wings for the Scala The Scala’s slimmer headlights extend all the way to the grille, underscoring the car’s dynamic allure. The air intake in the new front apron is divided by additional side wings. Painted in the body colour, these are also found in the diffuser on the revised rear apron, which is flanked by crystalline elements. The tail lights now feature a new and more refined graphic design. Enhanced SUV presence for the Kamiq The updated Kamiq now has more visual presence. The upper element of the signature split headlights is now slimmer and has a more pronounced design. The larger and more upright Škoda grille presents distinctive double slats that form a U‑shape at the bottom. In the front apron, a painted area below the grille and an air intake accentuate the vehicle’s width, complemented by a sturdy silver diffuser that provides underbody protection. The rear diffuser consists of a wide upper section in black and a rugged silver-coloured lower section. The revised L-shaped light characteristic of the split tail lights visually ties in with the reflectors, which also adopt an L-shape.

News in this week from the AA states that the latest fuel prices survey has shown prices have remained stable in the past month and are virtually unchanged in July compared to June. The average petrol price is €1.65, the same as in June, with the average price for diesel being €1.55, 2 cents per litre more. "Following the duty increases last month, we have seen prices remain steady," says AA Ireland's Blake Boland. "Aside from the upcoming signalled duty increases, there is no reason to believe there should be much upheaval to prices in the short term. On September 1st, these rates will increase by 7 cents for petrol and 5 cents for diesel. The Government will fully restore the rates on October 31st with a final increase of 8 cents for petrol and 6 cents for diesel. Meanwhile, EV drivers are paying almost identical amounts this month as electricity prices remain pretty elevated. The average EV driver pays €1,158.99 to charge their car annually. However, those taking advantage of Smart Meters and cheap night rates pay as little as €403.85 to cover the same 17,000km distance. Those charging exclusively on public chargers could pay more than €2,000 annually. With wholesale gas prices falling in recent months, EV drivers anxiously await a corresponding drop in electricity prices. Pressure is increasing on electricity suppliers to lower costs. With the help of the AA we will continue to monitor fuel and energy costs as we brace ourselves for the winter months.

As we all know the full SEAI grant for purchasing electric vehicles has now been reduced. The good news is Renault will make up the difference for those looking to switch to all new Megane E-Tech 100% electric and Zoe E-Tech 100% electric effective immediately. Since the 1st of the month the SEAI grant for private buyers has been reduced to €3,500, but Renault will make up the difference for customers by providing a Renault electric grant bonus of €1,500 enabling customers to retain the benefit of a full €5,000 grant. Praised by motor writers for its design, road handling, range, looks, price and competitive edge, Megane E-Tech electric is now in stock, available to order and collect at Renault dealerships. Customer cans also avail of dealer in-house offers such as home chargers, boosted trade-in or low-rate finance. Megane E-Tech electric is the first of a new generation of electric vehicles built on the advanced CMF-EV platform, styled within the brand’s ‘sensual tech’ design language and the first model to wear the new ‘Nouvel’R’ logo. With an electric driving range of up to 450km (WLTP), all new Megane E-Tech 100% electric also features a class-leading digital experience with a 12.3-inch dashboard display, 9-inch multimedia display, and Android Automotive OS with integrated Google services. With up to 26 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features available across the range the model also has a 5-star NCAP rating. Megane E-Tech electric is available with a 60kWh battery with 450km range, a 220hp electric motor, 130 kW DC charging and also a 40kWh battery with 300km range, a 130hp electric motor, and 85 kW DC charging with 22kW AC charging standard on all versions. Three trim lines are available - Equilibre, Techno, and Launch Edition. Customers looking to purchase a Megane E-Tech electric this month can receive the full €5,000 grant amount (SEAI grant €3,500 + Renault electric grant bonus €1,500) and still save more by availing of a reduced APR of 4.9% (down from 5.9%) on all Megane E-tech 100% electric ordered from 1st July and registered by 31st July. As part of this offer the max GMFV will also be increased to 50%, giving customer savings in the monthly finance payments of almost €2,000 over the finance term. This offer will be welcome by customers looking to switch to electric or upgrade their EV and will be further enhanced at Renault’s 31 car dealerships where in-house offers are available. Renault’s in-house bank, Mobilize Financial Services offer PCP from €249 per month with 4.9% APR. Customers can ask their local Renault dealer for specific additional offers. Customers looking to get more information can contact there local Renault dealer through the DoneDeal trusted dealer network.

Alfie Byrne from Kildavin Co. Carlow is a busy man these days. With 34 years’ experience as an Agricultural Contractor, his business revolves around tillage and forage contracting where he handles the full range of farming operations. We caught up with him sowing the last of the spring barley to chat about his Kverneland 6m u-drill that he purchased for the autumn 2022 seeding season. “The reason we bought the new drill was the first minute I saw… it I was very impressed with the build quality and the whole setup of the drill”. The Kverneland u-drill is a universal seed drill, for all crop establishment systems, planting a wide range of crops, including cereals, oilseeds, and legumes. It uses a unique drilling system that delivers the seed precisely and consistently, resulting in better crop emergence and more uniform plant growth. The focus in design has been especially given to high speed operation (10-18km/h) with low pulling requirement while ensuring a perfect seed placement. Front Wheel Packer Alfie particularly likes the levelling characteristics of the u-drill. “The front wheel packers is an absolutely super job, and the big wheel I think is a major plus with, this drill the wheel is higher and wider, which makes it easier to pull and floats the ground better”. For the best possible preparation, the front tyre packer levels the soil, crushes large clods and thus paves the way for the optimum depth control of the following tools. The front tyre packer has a diameter of 800mm. and when not needed can be lifted hydraulically, simply by pushing a button. "The action of the u-drill is super on the seed placement" This system results in consistent seed-to-soil contact essential for optimal germination and plant growth. With the Kverneland CD-coulter, the narrow profile of the coulters with their slightly offset steel discs allow easy penetration into the soil. Thus, little pressure is required at this point with only little soil being displaced. The coulter pressure of 100kg can, therefore, be primarily used for the pressing by the integrated press wheels. The result is a uniform seeding depth even at high working speeds. The “u” in u-drill stands for universal and not only refers to crop systems but also soil conditions. Alfie maintains... “Especially in wet conditions. It's inclined to just float along the ground… and it gets through the wet spot easier”. With soil compaction always a concern for farmers with heavy conditions this is an important consideration. Automated Headland Management Designed with a fully automated headland management system, using just one button, the driver can initiate a headland sequence with wheels, discs and coulter bar all capable of automatic operation in timed stages. As the headland sequence starts, the metering device stops automatically – avoiding double seeding while the seed hoses are empty at the headland, saving valuable seed. “Everything is very user friendly, very clear” The user experience is always to the forefront of Kverneland focus and means cab control of operations is an important feature of the machine. For farmers and contractors, flexibility and ease of operation is key as each field has its own soil structure and specific working conditions. For a busy contractor, like Alfie, less time out of the cab means more time getting the job completed. The-drill’s functionality allows all operations to be controlled from the tractor cab via either the tractors ISOBUS terminal or Kverneland’s Tellus terminal. The u-drill is available in working widths of 3m, 4m and 6m folding to carry out seedbed preparation, levelling, reconsolidation, seeding and pressing in one pass. The drill is available as grain only or the grain and fertiliser application model, with split hopper functionality. Alfie is so impressed with the drill he says. “I'd definitely recommend the drill to others, I'd actually think it’s the drill of the future”. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Click for information on the Kverneland u-drill range: https://ie.kverneland.com/seeding-equipment/integrated-seeding-combinations See more on Kverneland’s u-drill: https://ie.kverneland.com/seeding-equipment/integrated-seeding-combinations/kverneland-u-drill Click to find your local Kverneland Dealer - Contact your local Kverneland Dealer – https://ie.kverneland.com/Dealer-Locator Contact Kverneland: Leonard Hovenden: Product Manager Arable – 00353 – 87 147 5137 – Call out feature Greg Tennyson: Area South - 00353 87 700 9689 – Call out feature Allan Hetherington: Area North – 0044 7826 544 630 – Call out feature Website: www.kverneland.ie Facebook: Kverneland Group Ireland | Kilkenny | Facebook Kverneland Group is a leading international company developing, producing and distributing agricultural machinery and services. Strong focus on innovation allows us to provide a unique and broad product range with high quality. Kverneland Group offers an extensive package aimed at the professional farming community, covering the areas of soil preparation, seeding, forage and bale equipment, spreading, spraying and electronic solutions for agricultural tractors and machinery. For more information on Kverneland Group visit www.kvernelandgroup.com

Since the beginning of the pandemic the used car market in Ireland and in many other countries around the world have experienced unprecedented price inflation. Last year we saw tantilising signs that this acute inflationary period might be coming to an end. In the past year quarterly price inflation has ebbed and flowed as a result of macro-economic shocks and typical seasonal fluctuations, but in Q2 2023, quarterly price inflation dropped to 0.9%, its lowest level of since the beginning of the pandemic. Slowdown in demand pre-registration change is somewhat typical, albeit more pronounced at the end of the year. The second quarter of 2023 price inflation slowed to 0.9% down from a high of 8% in Q3 of 2021. Although quarterly price inflation can be quite cyclical, the rate of annual inflation has slowed to 10.7% Year-on-Year, (down from 26.6% in Q2 2022) the lo west rate of annual inflation since Q1 2020, just at the onset of the pandemic. For context, the average annual rate of price inflation pre pandemic was just 2.7%. The recent slowdown in inflation notwithstanding, prices are still 79% above pre-pandemic levels. Using ad view metrics as an indicative measure of demand allows us to look behind the scenes at these price movements. After a 14% spike in demand in Q1 2023, typical at the beginning of the year, a 9.7% decrease in demand was observed in Q2 2023. This was coupled with a 7.7% increase in the stock of used cars on DoneDeal and hence had a stabalising effect on prices. The rebounding of supply and a stabalising of prices is encouraging from an affordability perspective. The market for new cars in Ireland is also growing. The cooling of supply chain issues in the motor production industry has led to reduced wait times for new models. In Q2 of 2023, 19,440 new cars were registered, representing an increase of 27.4% compared to the same period a year ago (SIMI). Imports also increased slightly by 0.7% compared to the same period last year to a total of 12,553 in Q2 2023 (the second quarter in a row of year on year increase in imports after a steep decline since the beginning of 2020). The share of used cars being imported from the UK fell to a new low of 28.8%, this is in stark contrast to Q1 of 2020, when the share of all imported used cars coming from the UK was 93.6%. Overall, used car imports to Ireland are down 52.3% in the first 3 months of 2023 when compared to the first three months of 2019. The share of new EV registrations continues to grow in 2023. In Q2 2023, 5,009 new EVs were registered in Ireland, representing a 127% increase compared to the same period last year. EVs and hybrid cars now account for 51.3% of new cars registered in Ireland, this compares to just 18% in 2020 and 6.2% in 2018 (SIMI). The number of new EVs has grown considerably in Ireland in the past few years from just 1,233 in 2018, to 4,013 in 2020, and then 15,676 in 2022. This recent increase in EVs is quickly translating into the used car market. In the first half of 2023, we are beginning to see a larger number of EVs and hybrids entering the secondhand market. Q1 of 2023 saw a tripling of the number of used EVs listed on DoneDeal in comparison to the previous quarter (roughly 1,500 compared to just over 500 in Q4 of 2022), in Q2 this increased again to over 1,700 listings. Whereas still only a small percentage of the share of cars listed on DoneDeal (2.2%), it is a large increase from the same period one year ago when EVs accounted for just 0.7% of used cars listed on DoneDeal. Prices for used EVs dropped sharply by 4.7% in Q2, the largest price drop in any part of the Irish used car market since well before the pandemic. The transitional supply shock of new EVs to the used car market can go some way to explaining this price drop, but also, the grant for new EVs is due to be lowered in July, making a purchase of a new EV more attractive than a secondhand equivalent. As EVs become more plentiful in the used car market they will become more affordable, encouraging more people to switch to a cleaner method of transport. Methodology: DoneDeal is the largest car marketplace in Ireland, listing 9 out of 10 cars advertised online from car dealerships in Ireland. Economist Tom Gillespie analysed over 5m of DoneDeal’s vehicle listings from 2011-2023 using hedonic regression analysis to isolate pricing inflation associated with vehicles after controlling for mileage, age, and other vehicle attributes. All of DoneDeal's reports are based on data associated with the car, its fuel type, its location, make, model, etc. We then aggregate the Ad views or enquiries made on that specific ad. We do not use cookies or users' personal data to form any part of our analysis.

We recently covered a price increase story from the ESB for electric vehicle owners where the minimum charge cost had risen. Well, following this previous correspondence regarding a change to the minimum account balance required to start a charge, a number of drivers experienced difficulties charging due to the minimum balance increasing from €/£5 to €/£20. In response to customer feedback, the ESB have stated this will revert to €/£5. This change will come into effect immediately and they would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. To reflect this, the pricing terms are available at https://esb.ie/what-we-do/ecars/price-plans. If you do have any further feedback, it is important to get in touch with the ESB as they continue to implement improvements to the public charging network. The easiest way to do this is by emailing ecars@esb.ie or phone 00353 1 258 3799 (Republic of Ireland) or 0044 345 601 8303 (Northern Ireland).

Gowan Auto, the sole distributor for FIAT, JEEP, and FIAT PROFESSIONAL in Ireland, is pleased to announce the appointment of Trinity Motors Wexford to the FIAT, JEEP, and FIAT Professional dealer networks, effective from 10th July 2023. For nearly 30 years Trinity Motors has been a trusted name in the industry and across the region. Originally founded by Eddie Murphy, this family-owned business has been built on a solid bedrock of putting the customer first coupled with a deep appreciation for delivering exceptional customer service and satisfaction. Today, Eddie’s sons continue this tradition by providing a warm and professional experience to all customers. Trinity Motors Ardcavan part of the Trinity Motor Group, has long established itself as one of the region’s leading dealerships with state-of-the-art facilities and an extremely warm welcome. The team at Trinity Motors takes pride in making it easy to do business and FIAT, JEEP, and FIAT Professional customers can look forward to exceptional levels of service, care, and an enjoyable environment in which to do business. Speaking of the appointment of Trinity Motors, John Saunders, Managing Director of FIAT and JEEP in Ireland said, “We extend the warmest welcome to the Murphy family and the rest of the Trinity Motors team as they join the FIAT, JEEP, and FIAT professional dealer networks. Trinity Motors is joining the brands at a very exciting time, and we are delighted to have them on board as we progress forward in this new era of growth and resurgence for FIAT and JEEP in Ireland. With the strength of Trinity Motors, we believe that our partnership creates a wonderful opportunity for the brands to thrive in County Wexford. Our dedicated team is excited to work closely with the Trinity Team to forge a prosperous partnership for many years to come”. John Saunders added, “We have a wide range of innovative new models launching for both FIAT and JEEP over the next 18 months and we are delighted to have such high-calibre dealer partners joining us as we continue to rebuild these brands in Ireland. We wish Trinity Motors every success for the future.” Jamie Dunphy, General Manager of Trinity Motors Ardcavan, expressing his excitement on the arrival of FIAT and JEEP to their Ardcavan dealership said, “We are delighted to announce our appointment as an authorised FIAT, JEEP, and FIAT Professional dealership for County Wexford. This new partnership with FIAT, JEEP, and FIAT Professional with Gowan Auto will allow us to expand our customer offering by providing a wider range of world-class automotive brands and high-quality vehicles. Our dedicated and exceptional team remains committed to upholding our core values of customer satisfaction, transparency, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to excellence”.

We all know the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and electric mobility. At the unveiling of the new BMW i5 this recently in Dublin, the new Managing Director for BMW Ireland, Helen Westby and Communications Manager Laura Condron took us through what the brand are doing and indeed how the new 5 Series has evolved into the car that it is today. As one of the leading premium car manufacturers, BMW has been at the forefront of this shift, introducing a range of electric vehicles under its "i" sub-brand. Among these, the BMW i5 stands out as a highly anticipated model that combines cutting-edge technology, impressive design, and the comfort levels we have come to expect from each and every 5 Series. The BMW i5 is a car designed to cater to the needs of environmentally conscious consumers who seek an electric vehicle without compromising on the traditional driving experience that we have loved from the 5-Series for so many years. At the heart of the BMW i5 is its electric powertrain rather than a combustion engine. The BMW i5 eDrive40 has an electric motor located directly in the rear axle generating 340hp with a maximum torque of 400Nm or 430Nm with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The zero-to-100km/h sprint takes just 6.0 seconds, while the maximum speed is electronically limited to 193km/h. Its combined power consumption sits between 19.5 kWh and 15.9kWh per 100kms, which will enable drivers to travel up to 582 kilometers on a single charge. In terms of design, the BMW i5 has followed the brand's signature styling, blending sleek lines and aerodynamic contours with just the right amount of front grille in our opinion. The car's exterior features a combination of lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), to enhance efficiency and reduce overall weight. This not only contributes to improved performance but also reduces the vehicle's carbon footprint. Inside the cabin, the i5 becomes the first BMW to be trimmed in Veganza upholstery as standard from launch. This man made material covers the seats, dashboard and door panels while the impressive BMW Interaction Bar first seen in the BMW 7 Series is now incorporated in the new BMW 5 Series. Another first is the stunning panoramic roof, which we have never seen in a 5 Series prior. Tech lovers are catered for also with a digital experience taken to a new high with cutting-edge additions of AI-driven servicing notifications and the introduction of in-car gaming. Yes you heard that right! Now when your vehicle is charging you can pick from around 20 games to include racing, sports, quiz, simulation, strategy, and puzzle games. In terms of safety, the BMW i5 is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, including autonomous driving capabilities. These features will not only enhance safety but also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and improving overall efficiency on the roads. By combining cutting-edge tech, luxurious design, and a focus on sustainability, the i5 aims to redefine the concept of electric premium vehicles. In terms of pricing, buyers will still be able to purchase a combustion powered 5 Series kicking off at €69,850 for the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 that was on display for the media is priced at €90,110 and there will be an i5 M50 xDrive with 601hp available soon for €119,210. Within these model you have a choice of three trim levels at various price walks to include M Sport, M Sport Pro and Exclusive. As always, BMW offer various finance and PCP options through their trusted dealer network. Next year we are told the BMW 530e and BMW 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models will also join the lineup! Like all previous model generations, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is manufactured at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. In 1973, the first vehicle manufactured at the plant was a first-generation BMW 5 Series Saloon. BMW claim this new i5 is not just a car; it represents a vision of sustainable luxury and highlights the companies’ commitment to reducing emissions, conserving resources, and creating a more sustainable future for mobility. We have no doubt the BMW i5 is poised to be a game-changer in the luxury electric vehicle segment. With its blend of performance and efficiency it offers a compelling option for those looking for a large electric family saloon. The i5 marks a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future for the brand and we are looking forward to our first test drive towards the back end of this year.

2023 marks a significant milestone for Kverneland Group Ireland, as the company reaches its 30-year anniversary. From its beginnings as a distributor to a joint venture enterprise and ultimately a division of the Kubota Corporation, Kverneland Group Ireland was officially incorporated in 1993. Since 1993, the partnership between Kverneland Group Ireland and McConnel has flourished, solidifying its importance to both companies. "The McConnel brand holds great significance for Kverneland Ireland, and the strong relationship developed over the past 30 years is highly valued by both parties. We are thrilled by McConnel's ongoing investment, which has resulted in the continuous introduction of new products and enhanced technology. This allows us to deliver market leading Power Arms to our customers through our dedicated Kverneland Dealer Network", states Philip English, Managing Director of Kverneland Group Ireland. McConnel's Managing Director, Christian Davies added "I take great pride in our 30- year partnership with Kverneland Group Ireland. It is a testament to our unwavering support and commitment. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, consistently delivering innovative solutions and unparalleled service to our valued customers. Our partnership is stronger than ever, and I look forward to continuing this journey of success for many more years to come." To commemorate this milestone, Kverneland Group Ireland and McConnel unveiled a unique Special Edition livery at the FTMTA Show this week. Throughout 2023, all McConnel Power Arms sold by Kverneland Group Ireland were delivered at this special edition livery, symbolising the enduring partnership. At the FTMTA show, Kverneland Group Ireland also introduced the latest McConnel 67-Series Power Arm to the Irish market. This series represents the next generation of Power Arms, featuring an innovative design style that incorporates a two-piece rear guard, ensuring convenient access to the hydraulic system for maintenance and servicing. Additionally, Kverneland Group Ireland previewed the latest V7 REVOLUTION Control system. This flagship control system by McConnel has undergone a significant upgrade, boasting a high-definition touch screen display, a new operating system, and additional features. Notably, the system introduces a simplified user interface, enabling effortless customisation of functions to suit specific applications.

This week we had the pleasure of joining Renault Ireland for the launch of the all new Austral E-tech full hybrid the cutting-edge electrified SUV available to order now at dealerships from €379 per month. Customers of the innovative and boldly-styled SUV hybrid will be able to choose from three generously-equipped versions when it launches this summer – techno, techno esprit Alpine, and iconic esprit Alpine. Regardless of which variant they choose, drivers will benefit from a specification that has been finely honed to deliver optimum comfort, convenience and class-leading connectivity. Together with a premium digital experience that includes up to 35 apps* as well as the ability to plot a route and even operate home devices with voice control, technological highlights of the sporty SUV include the availability of up to 30 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), four MULTI-SENSE settings that offer a variety of driving styles, plus Renault’s third-generation four-wheel steering system, 4Control Advanced. All versions of the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid feature a comprehensive standard specification that perfectly complements the distinctive looks, advanced drivetrain and contoured cockpit. Equipment that is shared across the range includes a frameless automatic rear-view mirror, sliding centre console armrest, sliding rear bench seat, and automatic dual-zone air conditioning with air purifier. A truly spacious SUV, there’s 35 litres of easily accessible and modular internal storage space and up to 555 litres of boot capacity. Connectivity and entertainment solutions have been developed to make every journey an adventure for occupants of Renault’s latest hybrid car. The digital experience is delivered via the 12-inch OpenR multimedia screen, 12.3-inch driver information display, 9.3-inch head-up display, and a range of Google services built-in, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to Google Play. Two front and two rear USB ports ensure connectivity with the 8-speaker Arkamys audio system. Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director, Renault Group Ireland said: “The launch of all-new Austral E-Tech full hybrid is a key milestone within our Renaulution strategy, which aims to conquer the mid-sized family SUV market and offer our customers a vehicle that combines technology, eye-catching design plus a great electrified driving experience. With its electrified engine providing 1100km of range and CO2 emissions as low as 105 g/km, the Austral E-Tech full hybrid is a benchmark powertrain." The range begins with the techno. Its features include 19-inch Komah alloy wheels, matrix LED vision headlights, mirage-effect rear LED lights, flush roof bars, shark fin antenna, surround parking sensors with rear-view camera, and hands-free key card with keyless entry. The techno is priced at €45,295. The techno esprit Alpine model adds 20-inch Daytona alloy wheels, esprit Alpine detailing and black esprit Alpine carbon fabric and Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching. Its standard equipment is further enhanced with heated front seats, heated steering wheel, electric power tailgate, electric driver and front passenger seats with massage function for driver, traffic & speed sign recognition with overspeed prevention, and adaptive cruise control with lane centring. This mid-range version is available for €47,795. Top-of-the-range is the iconic esprit Alpine. Priced at €52,295, it stands out with its 4Control Advanced 4-wheel steering (enabling a city car-like 10.1m turning circle), 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 360° Around View 3D camera, panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging station. Regardless of the trim level, the all new Austral E-Tech full hybrid is powered by a new 200hp petrol hybrid powertrain with a 400V 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery that fuses powerful acceleration with optimum efficiency. All in all, 80% of driving time on urban roads is possible in full-electric mode, which translates into urban cycle driving requiring 40% less fuel than a combustion motor, all without having to change one’s driving habits or plug in. Meanwhile, on the combined WLTP cycle, the all-new Austral E-Tech full hybrid achieves from 4.7l/100km making it one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars in the Renault line-up, keeping CO2 emissions as low as 105g/km. The impressive figures highlight its status as an exceptionally efficient hybrid electric vehicle. The new Austral E-Tech full hybrid is available to order now for 232 at Renaut’s 31 dealerships with PCP finance offers available from Mobilize Financial Services (MFS) from €379 per month.

The figures are in for June and looking positive. The society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) have stated new car registrations for the month of June were up 39.0% (2,994) when compared to June 2022 (2,154). Registrations year to date are up 18.8% (77,488) on the same period last year (65,211). Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 72.54% (1,087) compared to June last year (630) and year to date are up 33.3% (17,356). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are also showing an increase of 28.4% (131) in comparison to June 2022 (102). Year to date HGV's are up 34.9% (1,554). Imported Used Cars seen a 2.6% (4,230) decrease in June 2023, when compared to June 2022 (4,343). Year to date imports are up 3.81% (25,027) on 2022 (24,109). For the month of June 1,441 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 188 in June 2022 (+666.49%). So far this year 14,307 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 8,446 (+69.39%) on the same period 2022. Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with a combined market share (year to date) now of 43.63%. Petrol remains the largest share at 31.85%, Diesel accounting for 21.87%, Electric 18.46%, Hybrid 17.37% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.80%. Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting: “The new car market performed strongly in June with registrations 39% ahead of the same month last year. While year to date new car registrations are still 4% behind pre-COVID 2019, the gap is closing every month, aided by fulfillment of 2022 orders and improved new vehicle supply. June in particular saw a significant boost in electric car sales, with 1,441 registrations during the month, in comparison to 188 units in June 2022, no doubt as a result of EV buyers wanting to avail of the full SEAI Grant of €5,000, which is to be reduced from July 1st. Year to date the EV market has exceeded 14,000 cars, an increase of 69% on last year. It should be highlighted that there still is a significant basket of incentive for EV buyers, including ongoing purchase and home charger grant support, VRT relief for many EVs, as well as low annual road tax. These supports, along with an increasing number of EV models coming to market, should ensure strong new car activity as we enter the 232 registration plate sales period. Going forward we need to maintain these incentives as well as an attractive BIK incentive for businesses, if we want to build on the momentum that is clearly there in the EV market.” 5 Top Selling Car Brands 2023 were: 1. TOYOTA, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. HYUNDAI, 4. SKODA, 5.KIA 5 Top Car Model’s year 2023 were: 1. HYUNDAI TUCSON, 2.KIA SPORTAGE,3. TOYOTA COROLLA 4.TOYOTA YARIS CROSS, 5.VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 Top 5 Selling EV Car Brands 2023: 1. VOLKSWAGEN, 2.TESLA, 3.HYUNDAI, 4. KIA, 5.BMW Top 5 Selling EV Models 2023: 1. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4, 2. TESLAMODEL Y, 3. HYUNDAI IONIQ 5, 4. SKODA ENYAQ, 5. TESLA MODEL 3 Top Selling Car (June) 2023: TESLA MODEL Y Top Selling Electric Car (June) 2023: TESLA MODEL Y