The number of new private cars licensed in November dropped by some 18.7 per cent, or more than 700 vehicles, compared to the same month last year.
In the 11 months from January to the end of November this year, 171,946 new private cars were registered
Figures published by the Central Statistics Office today show 3,074 private cars were licensed last month, compared to 3,779 in November 2005.
However, in the 11 months from January to the end of November this year, 171,946 new private cars were registered, some 13.3 per cent higher than in the same period last year.
First licensing of second-hand private cars in November was up by 1,190 (31.5 per cent) on the same month last year and increased by 15,719 (44.9 per cent) in the year to date, the CSO reported.
The highest number of new private cars licensed in November classified by make were Ford (355), Volkswagen (351), Toyota (338), Opel (290) and Hyundai (124).
The drop in vehicle registration figures for November may indicate that many motorists are waiting to buy 2007-registered vehicles. The motor industry also expects an upsurge in the number of private cars bought next year due to maturing SSIA accounts.