New figures show that new car sales rose by 20% in November when compared to the same month last year, however registrations year to date remain 25% lower on the same period in 2019.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) said their figures show that 87,728 new vehicles have been registered so far this year, compared to 116,885 during the same period in 2019.
914 new cars were registered last month, compared to 761 in November 2019.
The figures show that light commercials vehicles (LCV) are down 3.2% compared to November last year and year to date are down 14.8%.
Heavy goods vehicle registrations are down 30.5% in comparison to November 2019, while year to date HGV's are down 21.9%.
Used car imports for November have seen a decrease of 13.6% on the same month last year, while year to date imports are down 35.4% on 2019.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said the registration numbers year to date highlight the extremely difficult trading conditions.
He said as Ireland moves out of Level 5 restrictions, motor retailers will be able to re-open their showrooms.
"SIMI members operate with large well-ventilated showrooms and this along with the ability to display vehicles in an outdoor setting allow for business to be done in a very low risk environment for the transmission of Covid-19, making them safe for both customers and staff.
"With the key New Year selling period only weeks away, this re-opening comes at an opportune time.
"The use of digital platforms during the lockdown has provided an important shop window for customers looking to buy a new or used car and with Vehicle Manufacturers and retailers offering generous incentives to buy a new "211" car, the industry is hopeful that activity will be brisk in the coming weeks and months ahead," he said.
