THE NUMBER of car registrations rose by 1.64 per cent last year, according to new figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

In total, 89,900 passenger cars were registered last year.

Car sales per month were up on last year’s figures for the first six months of the year, but were below 2010 levels for the latter half of 2011.

The best-selling car brand in Ireland last year was Toyota, which sold 11,812 units, followed closely by Volkswagen with 11,247 units. Ford was the third best-selling car brand (10,511 units).

Hatchbacks proved by far the most popular body type of passenger car among Irish buyers last year as over 45,000 were sold. Just over 26,400 saloon cars were sold in 2011.

Meanwhile, the sale cars with diesel engines rose by 13.27 per cent, while sales of petrol cars fell by 14.85 per cent. However, electric cars saw the highest percentage increase in unit sales, as the 46 sold last year represent a 155 per cent increase on sales in 2011.

In photos: Check out the ten best-selling car models in Ireland last year: