The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has released its official 261 new vehicle registration figures for April, with the latest data pointing to strong growth across the market, particularly in electric vehicles. New car registrations for April increased by 17.0% to 10,184 units, compared to 8,707 in April 2025. Year to date, registrations are up 2.1%, with 75,074 new cars registered compared to 73,491 during the same period last year.
Light Commercial Vehicle registrations declined slightly, falling by 3% in April to 2,450 units, down from 2,525 last year. However, year to date figures remain positive, with LCVs up 14.2% to 18,101 units. Heavy Goods Vehicle registrations continue to trend downward, with April figures down 20.5% to 221 units, and year to date registrations down 9.5% to 1,191. Imported used cars recorded a significant rise, increasing by 43.1% in April to 7,510 units, compared to 5,248 in April 2025. Year to date imports are also up sharply, rising 40.1% to 31,154 units.
The standout story, however, is the continued surge in electric vehicle adoption. A total of 2,779 new battery electric cars were registered in April, representing a remarkable 109.7% increase compared to the 1,335 registrations recorded in April 2025. This strong momentum is reflected in year to date figures, with 16,779 electric cars registered so far in 2026, up 48.5% from 11,299 during the same period last year.
In terms of market share, hybrid petrol electric models remain the most popular choice at 26.67%, but electric vehicles are rapidly closing the gap, now accounting for 22.35% of the market. Petrol models follow at 21.25%, with plug-in hybrids at 14.41% and diesel continuing its decline at 12.96%.
• 5 Top Selling New Car Brands 2026 were: 1. TOYOTA, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. SKODA, 4. HYUNDAI, 5. KIA
• 5 Top New Car Models 2026 were: 1. TOYOTA YARIS CROSS, 2. HYUNDAI TUCSON, 3. KIA SPORTAGE, 4. SKODA KODIAQ, 5. TOYOTA COROLLA
• 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Brands 2026: 1. HYUNDAI, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. KIA, 4. BYD, 5. SKODA
• 5 Top Selling New Electric Vehicle (EVs) Models 2026: 1. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4, 2. KIA EV3, 3. HYUNDAI INSTER, 4. SKODA ENYAQ, 5. SKODA ELROQ
• Top Selling New Car (April) 2026: TOYOTA RAV 4
• Top Selling New Electric Car (April) 2026: SKODA ENYAQ
• Market share by engine type 2026: Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 26.67%, Electric 22.35%, Petrol 21.25%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.41%, Diesel 12.96%.
