Car Sales Drop Most In NI

According to recent figures the UK new car market has done better than predicted in 2011 but it is still in decline with Northern Ireland sales showing the biggest drop.

A regional breakdown of new car registrations has shown that sales in Northern Ireland fell by 11.7% in 2011 to 47,229 vehicles.

2011 proved to be a challenging year for the UK motor industry. Total new car registrations were slightly ahead of industry expectations at 1.94 million units however this is still down 4.4% on 2010. Northern Ireland’s rate of decline was more than double for the UK as a whole.

The figures released by SMMT Driving The Motor Industry saw blame for the drop placed on a combination of high fuel prices, falling disposable incomes and low consumer confidence.

Elsewhere in the Republic of Ireland new car registrations rose 1.6% in 2011 to reach 89,900, according to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive said: "Weak economic growth will make trading conditions tough in 2012, but record numbers of new and updated models, significantly improved fuel efficiency and exciting new technologies will help to encourage consumers into showrooms.

"Business and consumer confidence will be the key to a successful year, so it will be important that government delivers on its growth strategy and helps to resolve instability in the Euro Zone."

(LB)