New-vehicle sales ‘solid’
Recent shipments of new vehicles have helped to alleviate some of the long waiting lists for popular models while other brands suffer supply constraints, reports the Motor Industry Association (MIA).
“The market remains solid despite stock levels remaining low,” says chief executive David Crawford.
His comments come with 13,514 registrations of new vehicles in January 2022 for a decrease of 2.73 per cent – or by 379 units – compared to the same month in 2021, according to MIA statistics.
There were 470 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), 208 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and 828 traditional hybrids sold in January. This represented 11.2 per cent of the fleet having some form of electrification in its drivetrain.
Last month’s top two BEVs were Hyundais – the Kona on 78 sales and the Ioniq 5 on 59. BMW’s i was third with 42 registrations.
As for the PHEVs’ ladder, this was topped with the MG HS on 53 units. It was followed by Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross with 46 and Kia’s Sorento on 20.
There were 828 hybrids sold in January with the top-selling model being the Honda Jazz, pictured, with 149 units. Next up were two Toyotas – the Yaris on 87 and RAV4 with 77.
The small to medium-sized segments accounted for 56 per cent of sales. Last month’s top segments were compact SUVs with a 22 per cent market share, followed by medium SUVs with the same percentage and pick-up/chassis cab 4x4s on 19 per cent.
