New CSO figures show that the number of new cars licensed for the first time in 2020 was 84,309, compared with 113,305 in 2019 -- a fall of 26% or 28,996 fewer cars.

The number of new cars licensed in December 2020 was 1,032 compared with 729 in December 2019, an increase of 41.6%.

Commenting on the data, assistant principal Noreen Dorgan said: “Today’s figures from the CSO show the continued growth in the number of electric and hybrid vehicles licensed in Ireland.

She said that despite the drop of 26% in the overall number of new cars licensed in 2020, the number of new hybrid and electric cars licensed in 2020 had exceeded the number licensed in 2019 by 16%.

“The number of new electric cars licensed in 2020 grew by 14.4% from 3,443 to 3,940. There were 12,654 new hybrid cars licensed in 2020, compared with 10,900 the previous year.

Diesel drop

“Furthermore, the number of used (imported) diesel private cars licensed fell by 35%, from 78,315 in 2019 to 50,886 in 2020.”

Dorgan added: “Data for the year show that the number of new cars licensed was 28,996 lower than in 2019, a drop of 25.6%. This fall is due to the very low numbers licensed during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.

“The number of used cars licensed in December rose by 11.5% compared with December 2019. The number of used private cars licensed in 2020 was down by 30,354 (-27.9%) vehicles when compared with 2019.”