Blog Article

New Car Registrations Increase

Total new car registrations reached 124,954 in 2025, a 3% increase on 2024’s figure of 121,316. While this isn’t a dramatic jump, it does suggest a market that is stabilising after several unpredictable years. Demand remains solid, even as buyers weigh higher costs, changing technologies, and longer ownership cycles.

Commercial Vehicles: A Mixed Bag

The commercial sector delivered mixed results.

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) grew strongly, with 32,779 registrations, up 7% year on year. This growth reflects ongoing activity in trades, delivery services, and small businesses.

Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HGVs) moved in the opposite direction, falling 5.1% to 2,715 registrations. This dip may point to cautious investment among larger fleet operators.

Imported Used Cars Continue to Rise

Imported used cars remain a major force in the market. In 2025, 71,813 imported used vehicles were registered, an increase of 16.6% compared to 2024. Value, availability, and broader choice continue to make imports attractive to Irish buyers, particularly in higher-spec and electrified models.

Electric Cars Gain Serious Momentum

Electric vehicles had a standout year. 23,601 new electric cars were registered in 2025, up 35.1% from 17,460 the year before. This growth shows that EVs are no longer a niche choice. Improved range, better charging infrastructure, and expanding model line-ups are clearly influencing buying decisions.

The Great Engine Shift

Petrol remains the single most popular engine type, but its lead is shrinking. Market share for 2025 breaks down as follows:

• Petrol: 25.11%
• Hybrid: 22.48%
• Electric: 18.89%
• Diesel: 17.09%
• Plug-in Hybrid: 14.82%

Taken together, electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles now account for over 56% of the market. That milestone highlights a clear shift away from traditional fuel-only options.

Automatic for the Masses

Automatic transmissions continue to take over. In 2025, 75.25% of new cars sold were automatic, while manuals dropped to 24.73%. As electrification grows and driver-assist technology becomes standard, the manual gearbox is steadily becoming a minority choice.

Classic Colours, Familiar Shapes

When it comes to design preferences, some things haven’t changed.

The hatchback remains Ireland’s top-selling body type.

Grey continues its reign as the most popular car colour, holding the top spot for the tenth year in a row.

Looking Ahead

Overall, the 2025 figures show an Irish car market that is evolving rather than reinventing itself overnight. Electrification is accelerating, automatics are now the norm, and buyers are more open than ever to alternatives such as imports and hybrids. As 2026 unfolds, these trends are likely to shape not just what people drive, but how they choose, buy, and own their cars.