The Irish car market turned a corner this July, and the numbers show it. New vehicle registrations climbed, hybrid vehicles gained strength, and some models barely had time to gather dust before being snapped up. If you’re a dealer or finance partner, these figures are more than stats—they’re proof of how the market is reshaping itself.
Headline Numbers You Can’t Ignore
Speed To Sale: The Hidden Metric That Matters
Headline Numbers You Can’t Ignore
Headline Numbers You Can’t Ignore
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) reported 26,787 new car registrations in July, a 4.3% year-on-year increase, bringing year-to-date registrations to 108,531, which is 3.7% ahead of the same period last year .
SUVs Still Rule the Road
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) reported 26,787 new car registrations in July, a 4.3% year-on-year increase, bringing year-to-date registrations to 108,531, which is 3.7% ahead of the same period last year .
Hybrids Accelerate Momentum
Hybrid vehicles (non-plug-in) are a key growth area. In 2025 so far, hybrids account for 22.72% of new car registrations, just behind petrol (26.9%), edging out electrics (17.08%) and plug-in hybrids (14.71%) . Combined with EVs and PHEVs, electrified powertrains claim 34% of July’s market, making them the most popular powertrain category.
The Used Car Market
In July 2025, Ireland’s used car market continued to exhibit resilience, mirroring broader European patterns of stable pricing and rising demand. Autotrader UK’s July data revealed a 3.3% year-on-year increase in used car transactions, particularly driven by independent retailers, which saw a 6.1% boost. This suggests a strong appetite for more affordable, older vehicles.
Although these figures reflect the UK, it’s reasonable to assume Ireland sees similar consumer confidence and transaction volume in its used sector. In the broader European context, demand is being fuelled by hybrids and electrified models, as several sources note growing interest in these segments, even as full EV adoption continues to grow more slowly.
Given that Ireland has seen hybrid models like the Tucson and Yaris Cross perform solidly in the new car market, their appeal is likely to carry into the used market, too.
Speed to Sale: The Hidden Metric That Matters
Although days-to-sell aren’t widely published for Ireland, EV and hybrid models, like the Tucson, Yaris Cross, and VW Golf, move fast. Dealers observe that they can sell in under 20 days when stock is tight. That means having finance options ready, especially simple, 0-deposit HP, can be what wins the sale.
Commercial Vehicles: Diverging Trends
- Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) registrations jumped 22.8% in July, indicating renewed SME and delivery fleet confidence.
- Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations dropped around 19% in July, reflecting continued caution among larger fleet investors.
What This Means for Dealers and Finance Brokers
- Stock wisely – Focus on hybrids and stable-selling SUVs like Tucson, Octavia, and Golf.
2. Finance counts – Shift resources toward 0-deposit HP finance, particularly for hybrids, as this can be extremely attractive amid cost-of-living pressures. LM Operations offers HP finance with no deposit, ideal for buyers seeking a car without a hefty deposit.
3. Act fast – The fastest-selling models demand streamlined approval processes. Think instant credit checks and frictionless journeys, both online and in-store.
Final Word
July’s performance tells a clear story: hybrids are gaining ground, SUVs remain firm favourites, and the market rewards speed and simplicity. In today’s cost-of-living climate, 0-deposit HP finance stands out as a lifeline for buyers and a powerful differentiator for dealers.
Ready to power your finance offering with agility and appeal?
Become a partner with LM Operations and give your customers the straightforward, no-deposit HP finance they’re looking for. Let’s turn this market momentum into measurable results, together.