There were 7,018 new private cars licensed in July 2010, compared with 4,355 in July 2009, an increase of 61.1%. Sales in the year to July were down 48% compared with 2008

The Central Statistics Office said the number of new goods vehicles licensed in July 2010 was 871 compared with 839 in the corresponding month last year - an increase of 3.8%.

The licensing figures also show that: 1) In July 2010, the total number of all vehicles licensed was 13,928 compared with 12,411 in the corresponding month last year - an increase of 12.2%. 2) The total number of all new vehicles licensed during July 2010 was 8,648 compared with 6,009 during the same month in 2009 - an increase of 43.9%. 3) In July 2010, of the 7,018 new private cars licensed, 1,946 (27.7%) were petrol and 4,850 (69.1%) were diesel.

The highest number of new private cars licensed in July 2010, classified by make, was Volkswagen (911) followed by Opel (898), Ford (774) and Toyota (687).

The seven-month figure of 68,379 is still well below the corresponding figure for 2008, however, when more than 130,744 new cars were licensed.

The licensing figures refer to vehicles taxed for road use only and classified by taxation class.

Director General of SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry), Alan Nolan said earlier this month: “Seven months into the year and the figures are still showing an increase over last year. Clearly the trend in new car sales is continuing with a steady increase in sales month on month. This is very much in line with the data released by the CSO both on vehicle sales and on consumer spending.   It is very positive that the improved sales are continuing.  This is hugely important for businesses and employment in our sector as the fragility of the recovery has been underlined recently with a number of dealership closures.”