The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released its official 262 new vehicle registration statistics for July. The report shows that new car registrations for July were up 8.63% (29,046) compared to July 2025 (26,738). Registrations year to date are up 5.2% (114,228) on the same period last year (108,487).
Imported Used Cars have seen a 27% (8,616) increase in July 2026, when compared to July 2025 (6,803). Year to date imports are up 37% (55,724) on 2025 (40,698).
In July 9,682 new electric cars (battery electric cars or BEV’s) were registered, which was a 98% increase from the 4,898 registrations in July 2025. So far this year, 29,840 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 61% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 18,527 electric cars were registered. Chinese manufactured cars increased their market share to 6.35% for the year to the end of July, compared with 3.38% for 2025.
This increase in BEV car sales was driven by the recent short-term Government pilot grant scheme. BEV car sales increased in every county in Ireland, with counties such as Roscommon, Longford and Mayo all recording BEV sales increases of more than 100%, indicating a wider acceptance of electric motoring as an option.
In the new car market share by engine type, Battery Electric cars achieved the lead market position for the first time this year with 26.12%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 24.59%, Petrol 20.39%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.45%, and Diesel 12.45%. It is important to note also that 74% of new car buyers did not opt for the BEV car choice.
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) decreased by 6% (5,744) compared to July last year (6,116). Year to date, LCVs are up 9.3% (27,237). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations experienced an increase of 14.2% (433) in comparison to July 2025 (379). Year to date, HGVs are down 2.2% (1,984).
