EV sales now account for 21.6 per cent of the new car market, compared to just 12.9 per cent for diesel. Photograph: Focke Strangmann/Getty ImagesSales of new diesel cars fell 37 per cent in March compared with the same month last year, while petrol car sales dropped 38 per cent, amid soaring pump prices. Diesel, which a decade ago had a 70 per cent share of the new car market, now accounts for just 12.9 per cent this year. Overall, new car sales so far this year are up just 0.3 per cent at 64,967 vehicles. Toyota remains the best-selling new car brand with 8,936 registrations this year, reflecting its dominance of the hybrid market.

Source: The Irish Times April 01, 2026 10:39 UTC