The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released their official 251 new vehicle registration statistics for February, shedding light on trends both nationwide and in County Roscommon.
Across Ireland, new car registrations in February 2025 dropped by 15%, with 14,012 vehicles registered compared to 16,432 in February 2024 (noting the latter had an extra trading day). Year-to-date figures show a slight decline of 0.8%, with 47,483 cars registered in 2025 compared to 47,850 in the same period last year. In County Roscommon, the trend aligns with this national dip. For January and February 2025, new car registrations totaled 454 units, down 5.61% from 481 units in 2024. This gives Roscommon a 0.96% share of the national market, slightly lower than its 1.01% share in 2024.
Despite the overall decline, battery electric vehicles (EVs) have bucked the trend both nationally and locally. Nationally, February saw 2,524 new electric cars registered, a robust 36% increase from the 1,856 registered in February 2024. Year-to-date EV registrations reached 7,447, up 25.1% from 5,949 in 2024. In Roscommon, however, EV registrations remained static, with 30 units registered in both the first two months of 2025 and 2024. This stagnation contrasts with significant EV growth in counties like Offaly (+94.44%) and Monaghan (+80%), leaving Roscommon with a modest 0.40% share of national EV registrations, down from 0.50% in 2024.
Nationally, other vehicle categories faced declines. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) fell 8% in February (3,201 vs. 3,486 in 2024), with a year-to-date drop of 13.5% (9,471). Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) saw a 3% decrease in February (292 vs. 301), though year-to-date figures are up slightly by 0.9% (762). Imported used cars, however, rose 13.2% in February (5,599 vs. 4,946), with a year-to-date increase of 9.1% (11,203 vs. 10,271).
In the broader new car market, petrol cars lead with a 27.88% share, followed by hybrids at 23.76%, diesel at 16.65%, electric at 15.68%, and plug-in hybrids at 14.30%. Roscommon’s steady EV numbers suggest local uptake of electric vehicles has yet to catch the national wave.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, remarked: “Following a strong January, new car registrations fell by 15% in February, with year-to-date figures now slightly behind 2024. Electric vehicles, however, continue to shine, with a 36% sales increase in February to 2,524 units. Private consumers, buoyed by the SEAI Grant, account for two-thirds of EV sales this year. Government support remains vital, especially as more EV options hit the market. Commercial vehicles, though, are lagging, with LCVs down 8% and HGVs down 3% in February.”
