The top four carmakers in Ireland for January were: Toyota (12.20% of the market), Volkswagen (11.66%), Hyundai (10.12%) and Ford (9.29%).
David Shannon, Managing Director of Toyota Ireland, said: "We're very happy with the way 2014 has started, increasing our sales by 50% over 2013 and outperforming the market.
"The overall increase of 33% year-on-year is clear proof that consumer confidence is returning to the car market… Toyota has never been in a better position to capitalise on the renewed sales activity, given the strength of our brand and model line-up, which currently offers the newest and widest range of vehicles of any car manufacturer in Ireland.
"In addition, customers are finding our dedicated solus Dealer Network approach, coupled with Toyota's proven 'best in market' resale value, to be particularly attractive."
Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and SEAT) has taken circa 26% of the total January market, making it the biggest car group in Ireland.
Volkswagen's Group Ireland CEO, Simon Elliott, said that the upturn in passenger car sales for the brand, and in particular the upturn in Commercial Vehicle sales for Volkswagen, is a strong and positive 'economic bellwether' as we pass the first month of sales in 2014.
Figures from Volkswagen Bank show that approximately €170m was loaned to customers in 2013, which was almost €50m (or 40%) more than in 2012. Initial figures for January show that half of all Volkswagen customers who are taking up finance are now opting for PCP (Personal Contract Plan).
Hyundai's market share is up from 7.85% in 2013. It is the first time in 10 years that a new brand has made it to the Top Three Irish car brand stable. Over the past five years Hyundai Ireland has increased its market share from 2.99% in 2009 to 10.12% in 2014.
Stephen Gleeson, Managing Director, Hyundai Ireland, said: "We are delighted with our performance to date in 2014, confirming us as Ireland's fastest-growing car brand. We expect, that we can continue our successful start in February with the first substantial deliveries of Santa Fe and greater availability of the new i10."
