03/06/2026
Figures released by the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) reveal that new car registrations for May were up 38.58% (8,068) compared to May 2025 (5,822). Registrations year to date are up 4.7% (83,038) on the same period last year (79,313).
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 22.3% (2,324) compared to May last year (1,900). Year to date LCVs are up 15.01% (20,410). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are up 28% (265) in comparison to May 2025 (207). Year to date, HGVs are down 4.3% (1,457).
Imported Used Cars for May were up 31.2% (7,808), when compared to May 2025 (5,948). Year to date imports are up 38.2% (38,960) on 2025 (28,183).
In May 2,335 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, (up 115% higher on May 2025's 1,086 registrations). 19,050 new electric cars have been registered in Ireland so far in 2026, a 53.82% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 12,385 electric cars were registered.
Emma Mitchell, SIMI Operations Director, remarked "New Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) registrations continue to experience strong growth across all counties, with 2,335 units registered in May, up from 1,086 units in May of last year. Notably, consumers are driving this growth, accounting for 77% of BEV registrations so far this year, with incentives continuing to encourage the switch to electric vehicles. Year-to-date BEV registrations reached 19,050 units, representing a 23% market share. While BEV registrations are positive, we are now at a critical juncture to sustain the strong growth in a market that is not yet fully established. The government must capitalise on this momentum by maintaining and extending current incentives for consumers, and encourage more businesses to change to Battery Electric Vehicles".