The Consumers Challenge

Posted by Shane Teskey on 2 September 2010 in Ask the Experts, New Car Registration Stats, Used Cars | 1 comment

In the final of three articles addressing the drastic drop in new car sales, Paul Carroll looks at the upcoming challenges facing consumers.
Many consumers recognise the value in purchasing used cars, in particular 2 to 3 year old cars that have depreciated on average by 25-35%. The 2 to 3 year old used car...

Industry Crisis – What Can Government Do To Help?

Posted by Paul Carroll on 23 August 2010 in Motorcheck Mechanic, New Car Registration Stats | 2 comments

The second in a three part series, Paul Carroll looks at the potential losses facing Government from the motor industry.
We take a look at 3 possible solutions that could ensure a better environment for the industry, the Government and most importantly the consumer.

2012 – A Disaster Pending for the Industry?

Posted by Paul Carroll on 13 August 2010 in Ask the Experts, New Car Registration Stats, Used Cars | 1 comment

In the first of a three part analysis, Paul Carroll of Touchbase Technology Ltd looks at the recent decline in new car sales and explores future consequences for the industry.

Renault Dealers On Top With 286 Sales Per Dealer

Posted by Shane Teskey on 6 August 2010 in New Car Registration Stats | 1 comment

In terms of new cars sold ‘per dealer’, Renault are out in front with 286 cars per dealership ahead of VW with 200 cars per dealer.

To see the breakdown for the Top 10 read on…

Two More Main Dealers Forced to Close

Posted by Shane Teskey on 22 July 2010 in New Car Registration Stats | 6 comments

McKeown Motors – main dealers for BMW, MINI, Opel, Mitsubishi, Kia and Peugeot for 30 years in Co. Meath closed their doors yesterday and Cashel Motor Works main dealers for Volvo, Peugeot and Citroen in Co. Tipperary are due to close on the 29th of this month.

Both were well established dealerships with excellent reputations nationwide – so why would they be going out of business if as SIMI suggest “with this upturn in business, garages can start to re-employ staff they had to let go last year”.

Is Your Car Increasing in Value?

Posted by Shane Teskey on 21 July 2010 in New Car Registration Stats, Used Cars | 2 comments

The 63% fall in car sales in 2009 is only now beginning to show its effects in the used car market. Small numbers of new cars being registered means small numbers of used cars entering the market as part exchanges which in turn contributes to a knock-on effect for the supply of used cars for years afterwards.

Our UK neighbours are experiencing similar problems and a recovery in sterling against the euro has hampered our ability to jump across the water and simply import the required quota.

All this points to an increased demand for quality used cars and we all know what effect supply outweighing demand can have.

Is VRT a legal tax?

Posted by Shane Teskey on 28 June 2010 in Featured, New Car Registration Stats | 12 comments

A recent crackdown by Customs and Revenue officers in the northern counties where a stand-off developed between Customs Officials and a Donegal Woman prompted one Irish man to set up a group on Facebook aptly named “Ban VRT Now”.

Originally designed as a replacement for Irish excise charges that were no longer possible under the EU single market, VRT is now part and parcel of every car purchase in the Republic of Ireland. Motorcheck.ie takes a look at the legality of Ireland’s Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and reports on growing support for its abolishment.

New Car Registrations Rise 90%

Posted by Shane Teskey on 1 April 2010 in New Car Registration Stats | No comments

No it’s not an april fool prank – today’s statistics from the Motorcheck.ie Car Index show an increase of 90% for passenger vehicles registered in Ireland as against the same month in 2009 (7,291 registered in March 2009 as against 13,861 for March 2010).

The figures show that sales fell between February and March by 605 units in 2009. However statistics for 2010 demonstrate a clear u-turn with registrations actually increasing by 1,544.

Motorcheck looks at this new trend in car sales…

Scrappage Scheme Costing Dealers Millions

Posted by Shane Teskey on 30 March 2010 in New Car Registration Stats | 1 comment

The current public sector go-slow is costing Irish dealers 2.5 Million Euro in unpaid scrappage rebates.

Dealers are being forced to directly subsidise the Government scrappage scheme while also acting as tax collectors by paying VRT and VAT every time a new car is registered. Can they afford it?

Scrappage Scheme Rules Relaxed for Spouses

Posted by Shane Teskey on 4 March 2010 in New Car Registration Stats | No comments

Changes to legislation mean you may have to bring a copy of your marriage certificate to your local dealer if you’re thinking of available of the scrappage scheme!