Ireland’s car market is shifting at speed, with cleaner vehicles now firmly in the driving seat. In the latest breaking news ireland update from the motor sector, electric and hybrid models have captured roughly two-thirds of all new car registrations in the first half of 2026, underlining how quickly buyer habits are changing.
Fresh industry data shows that standard hybrids, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids together now represent the majority of new registrations nationwide. The figures point to a market where petrol and diesel are no longer the default choice for many drivers, especially as incentives, lower running costs and broader model availability continue to influence demand.
How the new car market is changing in Ireland
According to the latest registration figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, 85,203 new cars were registered in the first six months of 2026, marking annual growth of 4.2 per cent. That rise is notable not only for its scale, but for what is powering it.
- Regular hybrids accounted for 27.7 per cent of new registrations
- EVs held a 23.7 per cent market share
- Plug-in hybrids reached 14.7 per cent
- Petrol dropped to 21 per cent
- Diesel fell to 12.9 per cent
These numbers show a decisive move toward electrified motoring and reflect wider ireland business news and consumer trends. For motorists weighing long-term fuel savings against upfront purchase costs, hybrid and electric options are becoming increasingly attractive.
Government supports may push EV sales higher
One of the most important factors in the market this year is the Government’s pilot scrappage initiative. The scheme offers qualifying motorists with older petrol or diesel cars the chance to secure grants of up to €8,500 toward a new electric vehicle. Interest has been so strong that the scheme was already oversubscribed before its official launch date.
That early demand suggests the second half of the year could bring even stronger EV performance, particularly during the 262 registration period. It also highlights how policy measures can directly shape consumer behaviour in the wider ireland economy news and transport landscape.
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Top brands and best-selling models
Toyota led the new car market in the first half of the year with 11,912 registrations. Volkswagen followed with 9,544, while Skoda took third with 8,368. Hyundai and Kia rounded out the top five, showing the continued strength of mainstream brands with broad hybrid and EV offerings.
Among individual models, Toyota’s Yaris Cross was the best-selling new car overall with 2,778 registrations. In the fully electric category, Volkswagen emerged as the leading EV brand, while the ID.4 ranked as the top-selling battery electric model. Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y also remained strong performers, helped by price adjustments over the past year.
Chinese manufacturer BYD continued to grow its presence and was the leading Chinese brand in Ireland, recording 2,732 registrations so far this year.
Used imports are rising sharply
The used import market is also expanding rapidly. Imports rose 39 per cent to 47,109 units in the first half of the year. Japan has now become the biggest source of imported used cars for Ireland, far ahead of the UK.
- Japan supplied 25,647 imported vehicles
- The UK supplied 6,898
- Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW were the most popular imported brands
- The VW Golf was the leading imported model
Petrol remains the largest fuel type among imports, but hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs are also gaining ground. Most imported vehicles are older models, with 61 per cent aged six years or more.
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Commercial vehicle market sends mixed signals
Beyond passenger cars, the commercial vehicle sector delivered a mixed performance. New van sales rose 14.4 per cent to 21,492 units by the end of June, with Ford leading the market ahead of Volkswagen. The Renault Trafic was the best-selling van model.
However, the truck segment moved in the opposite direction. New heavy commercial vehicle registrations fell 6 per cent this year, reaching 1,553 units.
What this means for drivers and the market
The latest breaking news ireland figures show that electrified vehicles are no longer a niche choice. They are now central to Ireland’s new car market. With strong hybrid demand, expanding EV adoption and government incentives encouraging motorists to switch, the trend looks set to continue through the rest of 2026. For buyers, manufacturers and dealers alike, the message is clear: the future of motoring in Ireland is increasingly electric.
FAQs
What share of Ireland’s new car market is made up of EVs and hybrids?
Together, hybrids, EVs and plug-in hybrids account for about two-thirds of new car registrations in Ireland in the first half of 2026.
Which brand sold the most new cars in Ireland this year?
Toyota was the best-selling new car brand, followed by Volkswagen and Skoda.
What is the best-selling electric car model?
The Volkswagen ID.4 is currently the top-selling all-electric model in the Irish market.
Are used car imports increasing?
Yes. Used imports are up 39 per cent so far this year, with Japan now the biggest source market.
