Galway car market gets back in gear

The new car market in Galway has recovered from the collapse which saw dozens of jobs lost and several dealerships go out of business – sales during 2014 were up by more than one-quarter on the previous year

Dealers say an increase in consumer confidence, coupled with the passing of the ‘unlucky 13’ number plates have led to the increase in sales.

And they expect a further increase in sales in 2015 of up to around 20%.

Statistics compiled for the Connacht Tribune show that sales for new cars in Galway City and County from January to December 2014 are up 27.6% on the same period last year (from 2,961 to 3,777).

Sales of new commercial vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are up by more than half – from 586 to 892, while new motorbike sales are relatively static at 22 (21 last year).

The statistics, provided to us by car history checking website Motorcheck.ie, show that the VW Golf was once again the most popular new car in Galway.

Brian Kenny, Managing Director of Kenny Galway said the market has seen a very positive change which looks set to continue, and that dealers are “over the hump”, which saw sales collapse in 2008.

“New vehicle sales are up by around 30% on last year, but you need to bear in mind that sales were recovering from a low base, because last year had the number plate issue [superstitious motorists not wanting ‘13’ registrations].

“Confidence is also increasing, and you will hear that from many retailers around town. Our orders for 2015 are already up significantly, so that’s positive too. It’s early days yet, but sales could be up in 2015 by 15-20%. We have a very positive outlook, much better than recent years,” said Mr Kenny.

He added that secondhand sales are also booming. “Secondhand sales are in very good shape, we have had out best year since 2006 or 2007. People are spending,” he said.

The Top 10 most popular new cars in Galway during the past year were the VW Golf (up 22% to 230); Toyota Corolla (up 276% to 211); Nissan Qashqai (up 21% to 165); Ford Focus (up 34% 148); Ford Fiesta (up 38% to 145); Skoda Octavia (down 1% to 102); VW Passat (down 5% to 101); Toyota Auris (down 14% to 101); Toyota Auris (up 48% to 99) and the Opel Astra up 48% to 99.

The majority (2,900) were diesel engines; followed by 811 petrol; 59 hybrid and seven electric cars.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.