Mayo new car registrations on an upward curve

New car registrations in Mayo for the first 10 months of 2026 are up 6.9% on last year.

Up to the end of October, 2,325 new cars have been registered in Mayo. In the same period last year, the number was 2,175.

In the country as a whole, registrations year to date are up 6% (130,754) on the same period last year (123,855).

The figures – released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) – show that new car registrations for October were up 15% (2,501) compared to October 2025 (2,180). Of that number, 1,092 were new electric cars, representing a 55% increase from the 706 registrations in October 2025.

So far this year, 36,270 new electric cars have been registered – a 57% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 23,082 electric cars were registered.

Electric remains the most popular propulsion method at 27.74%, followed by hybrid (petrol-electric) at 23.54%, petrol at 19.43%, plug-in hybrid at 14.99% and diesel at 12.31%.

Elsewhere, light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations increased by 2% (1,727) compared to October last year (1,687). Year to date, LCVs are up 7% (33,638). Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations increased by 45% (205) compared to October 2025 (141). Year to date, HGVs are up 2% (2,586).

Imported used cars saw a 15% (7,831) increase in October 2026 when compared to October 2025 (6,791). Year to date, imports are up 32% (79,969) on 2025 (60,452).

Commenting on the figures, Emma Mitchell, operations director with SIMI, said: “Demand for new battery electric vehicles remained strong in October, helped by government support and market offerings.

“Year-to-date, BEV sales have reached 36,270 units – a 57% increase on the same period last year. Growth is being seen across the country, including strong increases in both urban and rural areas, with 61% of new electric cars registered outside Dublin this year. BEVs are now the most popular powertrain for Irish new car buyers so far this year.”

The five top selling new car brands so far this year are: Toyota, Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai, Kia. The five top selling new car models are: Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Octavia, Kia Sportage, Skoda Kodiaq.