Wexford records strong growth in new car and electric vehicle registrations

Wexford has continued to outperform the national trend for new car sales, according to the latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

A total of 2,142 new cars were registered in the county during the first six months of 2026, an increase of 10.7 per cent compared to the same period last year, when 1,935 new vehicles were registered.

The growth comes despite a slowdown nationally in June, with new car registrations falling by 9.7 per cent compared to June 2025. However, nationally, registrations remain 4.2 per cent ahead of last year's figures for the year to date.

Electric vehicle sales continue to gather momentum in Wexford. Between January and June, 560 new battery electric vehicles were registered in the county, representing a 70.2 per cent increase on the 329 registered during the same period in 2025.

Nationally, electric vehicle registrations are up 48 per cent so far this year, with 20,164 new EVs registered. Hybrid petrol-electric vehicles remain the country's most popular engine type, while electric vehicles now account for almost a quarter of all new car sales.

Commenting on the figures, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said the first half of 2026 had delivered a positive performance for the motor industry, with battery electric and hybrid vehicles now accounting for almost two-thirds of the new car market. He said the industry expects further growth in electric vehicle sales with the introduction of the new 262 registration plate, supported by Government incentives and manufacturer offers.