Northern Ireland’s new car market was the weakest performing in the UK last month, new industry data suggests.
A total of 3,197 new cars were registered in the north during July, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
That was 15.2%% (573 cars) down on the 3,770 sold in same month last year, making it the weakest July since 2022, which was one of the lowest ever Julys record.
It reverses the recovery witnessed last year, when July sales in Northern Ireland outperformed pre-Covid levels from July 2019.
It brought the total number of new cars registered in the north in the first seven months of 2025 to 28,367, some 2,747 fewer cars than the same trading period in 2024.
The Peugeot’s 2008 was the north’s best-selling new car in July, new SMMT data suggests. (MATTHEW HOWELL)
When compared to the first seven months of 2019, the difference is a massive 6,228 sales.
The Peugeot 2008 was the best-selling new car in Northern Ireland last month, with 172 models registered.
The Kia Sportage (138), Ford Puma (103), Nissan Qashqai (80) and Volkswagen Golf (77) completed the top five best-sellers from a top ten list once again dominated by SUVs and hatchbacks.
UK-wide, the SMMT said the 139,815 new cars registered UK-wide during July was 5% down on July 2024.
It left total sales in the UK for the first ten months of 2025, 2.4% up on the same period last year.
The industry body said sales of new cars stalled across the UK in July due to drivers delaying purchases of electric vehicles (EVs) until new UK Government grants are rolled out.
The first electric car models eligible for the Government’s new £650 million Electric Car Grant scheme were announced on Tuesday.
Drivers will be able to save £1,500 with the purchase of new Citroen e-C3, e-C4, e-C5 and e-Berlingo cars.
The scheme will enable motorists purchasing a new electric car to save either £1,500 or £3,750, depending on the vehicle’s sustainability.
Stormont’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed last month that the scheme is open to applicants in Northern Ireland, including private individuals and commercial fleets.
The vehicle purchased must be priced at £37,500 or below.