There has been a decrease of 14.7% in new private cars licensed in May according to the latest Central Statistics Office.
7,986 new private cars were licensed in May 2012, compared with 9,359 in May 2011.
The figures refer to vehicles taxed for road use only and classified by taxation class.
The number of new goods vehicles licensed in May 2012 was 1,049 compared with 1,190 in the corresponding month last year - a decrease of 11.8%.
In May 2012, the total number of all vehicles licensed was 14,412 compared with 16,185 in the corresponding month last year - a decrease of 11.0% or 1,773 vehicles.
The total number of all new vehicles licensed during May 2012 was 9,895 compared with 11,418 during the same month in 2011 - a decrease of 13.3% or 1,523.
In May, of the 7,986 new private cars licensed, 1,896 (23.7%) were petrol and 5,965 (74.7%) were diesel.
Volkswagen followed by Toyota, Ford and Nissan were the most popular makes.
