Healthy new vehicle registrations in Mayo so far this year

Mayo has outperformed the national average increase in new vehicle registrations for the first eight months of the year compared to the same period last year.

Figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that the increase in registrations so far this year in Mayo stands at 7.84% (2,201 v 2,041), while the national average is 5% (121,979 v 116,068).

The official 262 new vehicle registration statistics for August show registrations up 3% (7,811) compared to the same month last year (7,581).

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) decreased by 10% (2,382) compared to August last year (2,651) but year to date are up 7% (29,604). Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations experienced an increase of 9% (223) in comparison to August 2025 (205). However, year to date HGVs are down 1% (2,205).

Imported used cars experienced a 36% (8,093) increase in August 2026 when compared to August 2025 (5,963). Year to date imports are up 37% (63,815) on the same period last year (46,661).

In August, 2,265 new electric cars were registered – a 7% increase from the 2,115 registrations in August 2025. So far this year, 32,079 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 55% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 20,642 electric cars were registered.

In Mayo, 437 new electric vehicles were registered from January through August – a 97.74% increase on the 221 registered in the same period in 2025.

In the new car market share by engine type, electric cars lead at 26.3%, followed by hybrid (petrol/clectric) at 24.14%, petrol at 20.09%, plug-in hybrid at 14.85% and diesel at 12.56%.

Commenting on the figures, SIMI director general Brian Cooke said: “The market shift towards battery electric vehicles is clearly evident, and it is crucial that the government supports this trend with incentives that build on this momentum in what is still a developing market.

“Budget 2027 provides the government with the opportunity to build on the success in BEV sales by extending and retaining the current incentives (the SEAI grant, Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief, and 0% benefit-in-kind threshold) that are vital in sustaining consumer confidence. This would enable more households and businesses to make the switch, while also supporting our climate change goals.

“Additional targeted measures like the scrappage scheme, investment in high-powered public charging infrastructure and a focus on the business sectors can also help increase our national fleet and our second-hand BEV market. Now is the time to invest in incentives to drive change.”

The five top selling new car brands so far in 2026 are Toyota, Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai and Kia. The five top selling new car models are Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Octavia, Kia Sportage and Skoda Kodiaq. The top selling car last month was the Toyota RAV4.