This article is from page 9 of the 2011-05-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
CAR SALES were marginally down in Clare in April, but those working in the industry in the county believe they will increase again during this month. According to the SIMI (the Society of the Irish Motor Industry), there were 174 new cars registered in Clare during April, compared with 186 in April of last year. This reflects a decrease of 6.45 per cent.
It follows an increase of almost 20 per cent in March. There was also an increase in January – of more than 25 per cent – while there was a slight decrease in February, compared with February of last year.
To date this year, new car sales have increased by more than 12 per cent in Clare. During the first four months of the year, 1,394 new cars were registered, compared with 1,241 in the same spell last year. According to www.motorcheck.ie, the vast majority of car buyers in Clare are choosing hatchbacks and saloons, while small numbers of MPVs, estates, coupés and convertibles are also proving popular.
Declan Haugh, a director with Cahercalla Motors in Ennis, said he believes that April was a “blip” and envisages more positive months ahead.
“We found April was not as good as we would have hoped for. We found the first quarter of the year was good. There was a bit of confidence there. It was affected by two bank holidays,” said Mr Haugh.