NEW CAR SALES are up a whopping 47% this year, with over 74,111 sales being made. The figures compiled by The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that 6,333 vehicles were sold in the month of july, up from 3,748 in July 2009.

Sales of hybrid cars were disappointing, with only 1% of all engines being hybrid. 64% were diesel and 32% petrol.A total of 8,790 cars were scrapped last year, suggesting that 12% of the sales were due to the governments scrapage scheme.

The Ford Focus is the best selling car of the year so far with over 3,331 sales. 3,2375 Volkswagen Golfs were bought from January to July and 3,157 Ford Fiestas were also sold.

Director general of SIMI, Alan Nolan said: “Clearly the trend in new car sales is continuing with a steady increase in sales month on month.

“It is very positive that the improved sales are continuing. This is hugely important for businesses and employment in our sector as the fragility of the recovery has been underlined recently with a number of dealership closures,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s first electric car the Nissan LEAF is to be launched tomorrow.