2009 New-car sales collapse in Ireland; 2009 used-car sales boom

The Irish motor industry began the decade with record sales growth and volumes.  The decade ended with record sales contraction.

Registration of private cars in 2000 reached a record 225,259 new cars registered for the first time, a 32% increase over 1999. There were 24,003 used cars licensed that year ~ accounting for 9.6% of all private car registrations

The registration of new private cars in 2009 was only 54,432 units. But the number of used cars licensed for the first time was 49,564 ~ accounting for 48% of all private car registrations last year, 80% of which were worth €20,000, or less. 82% of the new cars registered had a price tag of €30,000, or less.

Behind the downturn there are changes in the fortunes of car manufacturers on the Irish market as illustrated by the list of top-10 manufacturers in 2000 compared to their 2009 ranking.

 

Top-10 Manufacturers in Ireland
2000 compared to 2009

Used car sales rankings – 2009

Used cars licensed 2000 2009 Change Volkswagen 1,007 7,942 689% Toyota 3,133 5,983 91% BMW 639 5,983 781% Audi 352 4,718 1,240% Ford 1,930 4,659 141% Honda 2,310 2,664 15% Vauxhall 2,035 2,493 23% Peugeot 1,094 2,417 121% Renault 742 1,556 111% Mercedes Benz 767 1,551 102% Top-10 Used=car sales (2009) 14,009 39,620 % Total Sales 58% 80%

When new car and used car registrations are amalgamated a comparison between 2000 and 2009 illustrates changes in overall market share and how the Irish population are currently responding to the offerings of the top-10 manufacturers in 2000.

 

Manufacturer	2000 Volume New +Used	2000 % Total Volume	2009 Volume New +Used	% Total Volume
Toyota	28,322	11.4%	13,729	13.2%
Ford	26,994	10.8%	12,397	11.9%
Nissan	26,320	10.6%	6.141	5.9%
Volkswagen	23,545	9.4%	14,069	13.5%
Opel + Vauxhall	23,240	9.3%	6,471	6.2%
Fiat	17,217	6.9%	1,198	1.2%
Renault	14,470	5.8%	3,957	3.8%
Peugeot	11,110	4.5%	4,269	4.1%
Daewoo	6,696	2.7%	37	0.0%
Seat	6,315	2.5%	1,119	1.1%

Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen gained traction while Fiat and Daewoo disappeared. Land Rover, (registered 127 new cars in 2009) and Citroen (826 new cars registered in 2009) have made alternative distribution arrangements in Ireland.

The falling out of public favour of Renault is interesting.  The most populous car in Northern Ireland is the Renault Cleo where over 30,700 of them cruise the highways and byways.