Cork, 5 January 2011 – Car sales rose by 54.7% last year, with Ford claiming the title of the nation’s favourite brand for the 3rd year in succession. The blue oval captured almost 13% of the overall market, ahead of Toyota and Volkswagen.

The Government scrappage scheme was an important driver of activity in 2010, accounting for almost 1 in 5 sales, or over 17,000 cars.

Total cars sales grew to 88,373 compared to 57,118 in 2009.  Ford sales rose by 38% to 11,273, with the Focus and Fiesta among the country’s top selling models.  Toyota, VW and Renault were the other brands to record double-digit market share.  

Car Sales

“Encouraged by a combination of scrappage and attractive offers, 30,000 more people bought new cars last year than in 2009,” said Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “This was a much needed fillip to the industry after a catastrophic previous year.”

“Despite the gloomy outlook, I foresee similar sales, of ca. 85,000, for 2011, as more people need to change their aging cars and great deals continue.“

The van market, often seen as a harbinger of economic activity, rose by 10% in 2010.  Ford was also the leading commercial vehicle brand with 18% of the market.