New car registrations on the rise in Waterford
This year in Waterford, from January to April, there were 1,554 new car registrations, a rise of 2.57% since last year.
This week the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released their official new vehicle registration statistics for April.
Nationally new car registrations for April were up 1.9% (8,731) when compared to April 2024 (8,565). Registrations year to date are up 3.4% (73,505) on the same period last year (71,063).
This year in Waterford, from January to April, there were 1,554 new car registrations, a rise of 2.57% since last year.
The total registrations of electric cars also rose in the county, going from 220 in 2024, to 226 in 2025.
In April 1,343 new electric cars were registered, which was 23.7% higher than the 1,086 registrations in April 2024.
So far this year, 11,311 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 25.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, petrol cars retain the new car market lead at 27.68%, followed by hybrid (petrol electric) at 23.66%, diesel at 17.36%, electric at 15.39%, and plug-in electric hybrid at 14.29%.
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) increased by 15% (2,558) compared to April last year (2,225). Year to date LCVs are down 9.5%.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registrations are down 14.6%, in comparison to April 2024.
Imported Used Cars have seen a 0.8% rise this year when compared to April 2024.
Commenting on the statistics, Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “April new car registrations saw a marginal rise of 1.9% when compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date registrations increased by 3.4% on last year, with a total of 73,505 new cars registered.
“New electric vehicle sales have rebounded this year, experiencing a fourth consecutive month of growth. EV registrations are 23.7% ahead of April last year, and year to date increased by 25.5%.
“EV sales have increased in 25 counties during the first four months of the year and SIMI welcomes Minister O’Brien’s announcement on the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan. Such initiatives are vital to provide rural drivers with more confidence in EVs.
Speaking on Light Commercial Vehicle and Heavy Good Vehicle registrations, Mr. Cooke said: “The LCV market saw an improvement in April with a 15% increase in sales, a positive result following the decline in sales in the first Quarter of the year.
"LCVs remain 9% behind for the year to date. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are down 14.6% in April and 8% year to date.”
