120% increase in number of goods vehicles registered in first 6 months compared to 2013 – Griffin

Fine Gael TD for Kerry, Brendan Griffin has said that an increase of 120% in the number of goods vehicles registered in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2013 is an indication of the improving economy and the potential for further growth.

“The latest CSO figures show that between January and June of this year the number of goods vehicles registered has increased to almost 13,500, a jump of 52% since 2014 and a massive 120% since the same period in 2013. Private car sales have increased by just under 59% to 78,660.

“These figures come following decisions by this Government not to increase VRT, motor tax or fuel taxes in Budget 2015. The choices made by this Government to support and boost the motor industry were evident through the increase in vehicles sales in 2014, and another significant jump in 2015.

“New businesses are setting up and purchasing vehicles, while established businesses are investing in transport, often after many years without an upgrade. Vehicles sales are an extremely good indicator of consumer confidence and these figures show that businesses and private citizens now have the confidence to invest in new vehicles.

“These new sales bring with them an increase in funds for the exchequer. This money can then be used by Government to allow for planned cuts to USC and to plan for improved public services like more SNAs and additional Gardaí.

“In Budget 2015, the Government chose to help protect the recovery in the motor sales industry by not increasing VRT, motor tax and fuel taxes. I am confident that these measures will help continue the flow of revenue from increasing new vehicle sales for the rest of 2015. This will also sustain and create jobs in the motor industry and will help build a more modern and a safer fleet of vehicles on Irish roads.”