Used car imports soar as new sales dip

The market for new cars dropped by 4.4% in 2018 compared with 2017, as used car imports soared to their highest levels ever, topping the 100,000 mark according to the latest official statistics released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

The hint of good news for the motor industry was the fact that sales of light vans increased, a sign of a strengthening economy, up by 5.55%, while heavy truck sales experienced a marginal decline.

Imports of used vans and trucks went the opposite way of car imports, dropping slightly.

The diesel/petrol mix also changed significantly in Ireland in 2018. Diesel car sales accounted for 54% of all sales, with petrol and hybrid car sales increasing to 44%.

Sales of electric cars doubled in 2018, while still not significant at 1,233 out of a total market of 122,557 new cars registered.

The top selling car in Ireland in 2018 was the Hyundai Tucson, followed by the Nissan Qashqai, with the Ford Focus in third place, ahead of the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia. Volkswagen had the top selling brand, ahead of Toyota and Hyundai, as Ford was pushed into fourth place ahead of Nissan.

Volkswagen renews the EcoGrant offer

Volkswagen in Ireland is encouraging the uptake of the latest generation, lower-emission new cars, hand-in-hand with the removal of older, higher emissions standard vehicles, by relaunching its EcoGrant offer.

The deal encourages scrappage of older vehicles against the purchase of latest, Euro 6 petrol and diesel models with price grant incentives of up to €5,000 for the top of the range Touareg SUV.

In its effort to encourage the uptake of diesel cars, Volkswagen claims that by combining the EcoGrant with SEAI and VRT grants, customers can benefit from €14,000 off the price of a new e-Golf, including the new Executive Edition.

AXA Insurance customers get a 10% dash cam discount

AXA Insurance is offering its customers get a 10% dash cam discount on their car insurance for using a Nextbase Dash Cam and there is a matching 10% discount on the price of the dash cam at Nextbase Dash Cam.

AXA believes that the use of a dash cam will help customers save money on their insurance premium and help protect themselves when liability in an accident is disputed and assist in any fraudulent claims.

Nextbase Dash Cams can be bought from €69.99 in retailers Halfords, DID, Powercity, Expert Electrical, Micksgarage.com, Euronics Electrical, Soundstore and Sam McCauleys nationwide.

Peugeot 508 prices announced

Gowan Distributors Limited, the Peugeot importer in Ireland, has released an entry price of €32,400 for the new 508 model, due in early 2019.

The new 508 meets stringent Euro 6.2 engine emissions controls and is claimed to be packed with standard comfort and safety equipment.

The new Peugeot 508 will be available with a choice of four trims: Active, Allure, GT Line and GT.

Two petrol engines and four diesel engines will be available.

BMW launches first ever aftersales subscription service

BMW has rolled out in Ireland is BMW FIRST, an aftersales subscription-based product that offers customers service related discounts and a range of car care offerings in return for a monthly fee.

For the first time BMW Group Ireland will also offer BMW FIRST customers first access to drive a range of high-performance cars such as the BMW M2 Competition, BMW X3 M40i and the BMW 440i Gran Coupe for a small rental fee.

This service will be offered in two rotations, mid-week or at weekends and will be released to customers in a personalised manner.

There are three packages to choose from as low as €4.90 per month and rising to €16.90 per month, with the first trial month free.

This service includes large 20% discount on vehicle parts, servicing costs and repairs as well as value-added products including wiper blades and light bulbs plus regular health checks.