Figures issued by the motor industry show that new car sales in May fell by almost 50% compared with the same month last year to 5,118.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) says this is not as big a fall as previous months. But the January to May total of 42,040 is still 63.7% down on the same period last year.
Imported used car registrations were down 18% year-on-year in May, but are 3% up in the first five months of this year.
But registrations of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) were down 72% in May compared with May last year and are 70% lower in the first five months.
SIMI director general, Alan Nolan said the trend reflected last year's fall-off in registrations in the lead-up to the July changes in the motor tax system. 'The figures are in line with our predictions and while there is no marked improvement in sales, there does at least appear to be a bottoming-out at this stage,' he added.
But Mr Nolan claimed SIMI remained concerned about jobs in the industry due to the lacok of funding support from banks. 'The Government must act now and must demand a return to more normal business support from the banks that have been rescued by the taxpayer,' he said.
