MORE THAN 8,000 more new cars were sold last month compared to the same time last year, according to figures published today.

A total of 57,793 cars have been sold so far in 2014, an increase of 27 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Sales in April 2014 compared to the same month last year increased 28 per cent, figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) reveal.

There has also been a rise in the number of commercial vehicles sold, an indicator of increased economic activity.

Director of SIMI Alan Nolan said that Easter was a key period for the industry “with two short weeks, hire-drive business and the potential for car sales to begin to slow down at this time of year”.

The results for April actually confirm that the level of demand has continued at the same rate as earlier months, reflecting increased consumer activity, which augers well in relation to progress toward economic recovery.

So far this year Volkswagon has dominated the market, being the most popular brand and with the Volkswagen Golf the most popular car.

The Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus are the second and third most popular respectively.

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