The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released its official 252 registration statistics for October, painting a picture of a market experiencing short-term easing in new passenger car activity, yet maintaining positive momentum in key growth sectors—particularly electric vehicles and commercial fleets.
Although October delivered a dip in new car registrations, the broader 2025 narrative remains one of gradual, steady resilience.
New Car Market Sees October Slowdown, But Year-to-Date Growth Holds Firm
New private car registrations declined by 9.3% in October, falling to 2,192 units from 2,417 in the same month last year. Despite this slowdown, the market’s overall trajectory remains positive. Year-to-date registrations have climbed to 123,858, representing a 3.4% increase over the same period in 2024, when the total stood at 119,772.
This dynamic—monthly volatility against a backdrop of cumulative growth—reflects a sector stabilising after years of supply fluctuations, inflationary pressures, and evolving consumer powertrain preferences.
Commercial Vehicles Deliver Strong Monthly Gains
While the passenger car market eased, commercial registrations painted a contrasting picture in October.
Light Commercial Vehicles surged by an impressive 41.8%, rising to 1,694 units from 1,195 last year. This momentum carries through to the broader annual view, with LCVs up 4.7% year-to-date at 31,447 units.
Heavy Goods Vehicles also delivered positive movement for the month, up 7.8% to 138 units from 128 in October 2024. Despite this monthly uplift, HGVs remain down 7.6% year-to-date, totalling 2,541 registrations.
The contrasting trends between LCVs and HGVs reflect divergent market forces—fleet renewal and logistics growth bolstering van demand, while larger cargo operators continue to navigate cost, supply, and operational constraints.
Used Imports Surge as Consumers Seek Value
Imported used cars once again demonstrated their importance to the Irish market, with October showing a robust 19% increase. Registrations rose to 6,791 units compared with 5,709 last year. Year-to-date, imports have grown 13.1% to 60,452 vehicles, up from 53,446 in 2024.
This acceleration highlights continued consumer appetite for affordable alternatives and broader model availability—factors often less predictable in the new-car space.
EV Momentum Accelerates Into Its Tenth Month of Growth
Electric vehicles remain a standout performer in 2025, with October marking the tenth consecutive month of EV sales growth. A total of 709 new battery electric cars were registered during the month—up 34.3% from the 528 recorded in October 2024.
Year-to-date EV registrations have reached 23,085 units, a significant 38.6% increase from last year’s 16,653 units. This sustained growth reflects rising consumer confidence, improving charging infrastructure, and greater model availability across multiple price points.
Ireland’s engine-type market share for 2025 positions electric vehicles at 18.64%, behind petrol (25.23%) and hybrid (22.56%), and ahead of diesel (17.13%) and plug-in hybrid electric models (14.83%). The market continues its gradual shift toward electrification, even as internal combustion options retain meaningful share.
Industry Perspective: Stability, Momentum, and a Changing Market Mix
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, emphasised the underlying resilience in the broader sector:
“While October new car registrations declined by 9% when compared to the same month last year, year-to-date new car sales remain over 3% ahead… October’s new battery electric car registrations indicate growth in every county, with 709 units registered, an increase of 34%… marking the tenth consecutive month of growth.”
Cooke also highlighted the strength of commercial vehicles: “LCV registrations showed a 42% increase for the month and are 5% up year-to-date. HGV registrations showed an 8% increase in October, but overall are 8% down on last year.”
A Market in Transition, But Moving Forward
October’s data underscores a sector in healthy transition. While new passenger car registrations softened, the overall market continues to expand year-to-date. Strong commercial performance, a sustained surge in used imports, and exceptional EV growth show that Irish consumers and businesses are responsive, adaptable, and increasingly future-focused.
As the final quarter of 2025 continues, the Irish automotive landscape appears set to enter 2026 with solid momentum—powered increasingly by electrification and renewed commercial demand.
