You might have seen the headlines: new car registrations in Ireland are up 3% for the first four months of 2025, compared to this time last year. According to the Central Statistics Office, that’s over 64,000 new cars hitting Irish roads already this year, and we’re not even halfway through.
So, what does that actually mean if you’re running a dealership or placing finance as a broker? Let’s break it down.
A More Sales = More Opportunity (If You’re Ready For It)
Hybrids Are Gaining Serious Ground
Brand Power: Toyota And VW Lead The Charge
More Sales = More Opportunity (If You’re Ready for It)
Look, 3% might not sound like much, but in a market that’s been bumpy thanks to stock shortages, high interest rates, and the cost-of-living squeeze, this is a sign of real momentum. People are buying again. Demand is shifting, and customers are actively looking for newer, cleaner, more efficient cars.
The big question is: are you set up to take advantage?
Hybrids Are Gaining Serious Ground
Electric vehicles (EVs) might be getting the spotlight, but hybrids are quietly stealing the show for many buyers, especially those still a bit unsure about going fully electric.
Here’s what the latest CSO data tells us:
- Hybrid vehicles now account for 15% of all new cars licensed this year… almost double from this time last year.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also saw a 73% jump in April alone.
- Meanwhile, petrol and diesel registrations are falling, down 12% and 25% respectively so far in 2025.
For customers who want to reduce running costs, lower emissions, but still keep the flexibility of a traditional engine, hybrids are the sweet spot.
At LMO, we finance hybrid vehicles, and we’re seeing growing interest from partners looking to meet this shift in demand.
Brand Power: Toyota and VW Lead the Charge
It’s no surprise that Toyota is still the go-to for Irish buyers, with over 1,700 new private cars registered in April. Volkswagen’s not far behind.
What do these brands have in common? A solid line-up of hybrid options, strong dealer networks, and reliable, finance-friendly price points.
If you’re stocking newer hybrids from these brands or brokering finance on them, you’re already in a good position.
So, How Can Dealers and Brokers Make the Most of This?
Here are a few ways to tap into the opportunity:
- Get Ahead of the Hybrid Curve
Stock and promote hybrid models with clear messaging around fuel savings and environmental benefits. Buyers are looking for low running costs.
- Make Finance Part of the Conversation Early
Buyers need flexible options now more than ever. Make sure finance isn’t just an afterthought, it’s a tool to help them afford the car they want today.
- Work With a Lender That Says ‘Yes’ More Often
At LMO, we offer fast, straightforward applications, and if something gets declined, we look again. Our manual underwriting team steps in to find a path forward. That means more approvals, more deals, and more happy customers.
🤝 Why Partner with LMO?
We’re not just another lender in the Irish market. We’re here to be part of your growth.
- ✔️ We support hybrid vehicle finance
- ✔️ We combine automation with real human underwriting
- ✔️ We’re quick, clear, and easy to work with
- ✔️ We’re focused on helping you say “yes” to more customers
Final Word
The Irish car market is shifting, and it’s picking up pace. With more buyers returning to showrooms and hybrids leading the charge, now’s the time to get strategic with your finance offering.
Let LMO help you close more deals, serve more customers, and stay competitive.
👉 Become a partner today.
Want to talk through your current finance setup? Let’s grab a coffee (or a call) and see how we can help.
FAQS:
What makes LM Operations different from other car finance lenders in Ireland?
LM Operations combines smart digital automation with real human underwriters. Unlike most lenders who rely solely on rigid algorithms, we manually review declined applications to give buyers a fairer chance, making us a more flexible, partner-focused finance provider.
Do LM Operations offer manual underwriting for car finance applications in Ireland?
Yes. LM Operations provides manual underwriting when automated systems flag a decline. Our human underwriters take a second look, especially when customers have a backstory that traditional models miss, such as recent job changes or minor historical credit issues.
Can LM Operations help Irish dealers increase car sales with flexible finance options?
Absolutely. We work with our partners to structure deals that meet real customer needs, like lower monthly payments or tailored options for first-time buyers. Our approach helps dealerships close more sales, faster.
How fast are LM Operations’ car finance decisions?
Through our digital platform, we offer near-instant automated decisions. Most applications are processed in seconds, and our partners can track the customer journey in real time, keeping the sales process moving efficiently.
Do you support brokers and independent garages, or just large dealerships?
We support franchise dealerships, independent garages, and car finance brokers across Ireland. Whether you’re placing high volumes or tackling tougher credit cases, LM Operations is built to help you grow.
How does LM Operations improve car finance approval rates in Ireland?
By blending automation with manual reviews, we say ‘yes’ more often, especially for near-prime customers who fall just outside traditional lending criteria. Our flexible underwriting helps convert more leads into approved customers.
What kind of support can dealers and brokers expect from LM Operations?
We provide hands-on support throughout the finance process—deal structuring advice, sales insight, and long-term partnership collaboration. Our team is always available for a proper conversation, not just backend decisions.
Is LM Operations suitable for customers with poor or limited credit history?
Yes. We specialise in assessing each customer on their individual circumstances, not just their credit score. If the deal makes sense, we’ll do our best to approve it—even in challenging credit scenarios.
Can LM Operations integrate with digital dealer platforms in Ireland?
Yes. Our platform allows for seamless online deal submissions, digital tracking, and real-time updates, making it compatible with modern sales and CRM systems used by Irish dealers and brokers.
How can I become a finance partner with LM Operations?
Simply visit our website or contact our team directly to start the onboarding process. We’ll walk you through the setup and help you begin submitting deals within days.