The Irish Commercial Vehicle market is strongly feeling the impact of COVID-19, with Light Commercials Vehicles (LCV) down 87.3% (229) compared to April last year (1,799) and year to date figures are down 25.3% (9,603). Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) registrations are down 67.8% (98) in comparison to April 2019 (304). Year to date HGV’s are down 9.9% (1,070). Also according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry’s new vehicle statistics, new car registrations for April declined 96.1% (344) when compared to April 2019 (8,904), mainly as a result of retailer’s showrooms having remained closed since mid-March, impacting heavily on sales. Used car imports for April (199) seen a decrease of 97.8% on April 2019 (8,887), while year to date imports are down 50.5% (17,669) on 2019 (35,719).
Commenting on the market figures, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said: “Like many other sectors of the economy, COVID-19 is having a devastating impact on the Irish Motor Industry. SIMI Members have during the course of the lockdown to date, been available to assist in emergency and essential call outs. We continue to play our part in keeping vital goods and services moving. However, the registration numbers underline the lack of activity in new vehicle sales, and this is replicated for used cars and servicing. While the short-term outlook for the Irish economy is bleak, once the health situation allows the Motor Industry is ready to get back to work. Members have used this downtime to implement measures, in accordance with both Industry and State guidelines, that will protect both their employees and customers against the spread of COVID-19.”
2020 New Vehicle Stats
- Light Commercial Vehicles sales year to date (2020) 9,603 v (2019) 12,854 -25.3%
- Light Commercial Vehicles sales total April (2020) 229 v (2019) 1,799 -87.3%
- Heavy Goods Vehicle total sales year to date (2020) 1,070 v (2019) 1,188 -9.9%
- Heavy Goods Vehicle sales total April (2020) 98 v (2019) 304 -67.8%
- Top 5 Selling Van Brands 2020: 1. Ford 2. Volkswagen 3. Renault 4. Peugeot 5. Citroen
- Top 5 Selling Truck Brands 2020: 1. Scania 2. Volvo 3. DAF 4. Mercedes-Benz 5. Renault Trucks
- Top 5 Vans YTD 2020: 1. Peugeot Partner 2. Citroen Berlingo 3. Ford Transit 4. Volkswagen Caddy 5. Volkswagen Transporter T6
While the truck market did not as severely affected by the lockdown to date compared to van and car sales, two leading brand importers and distributors have or are about to substantially invest in new facilities. Setanta Vehicle Sales (Dublin), the Renault Trucks franchise holders for Ireland has moved from its Long Mile Road headquarters into its state-of-the-art sales and service centre at Ballycoolin, north of the city while Westward Scania has lodged plans with Roscommon County Council to build new offices at its Strokestown base. These are to replace the old administration building and will incorporate a new customer reception, and Technical training centre.
