Petrol electric hybrids have overtaken petrol engine cars as the most popular type of car in Louth for the first time, latest registration figures have revealed.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today released its official 261 new vehicle registration statistics for January, which show that 903 new cars were registered in Louth in the first month of this year, up from 868 in the first month of last year.

Of the 903 new cars registered, petrol electric hybrids were the most popular, with 288 registered in Louth in January, up 9.9% on the 262 registered in January 2025.

Petrol cars have fallen to second place in popularity in Louth, with 216 registered in January, down a significant 26.5% on the 294 registered in the county in January 2025.

This was followed by electric cars in third place. There was also a huge increase in the number of electric cars registered in Louth in January, with 185 registered, up 56.8% on the 118 registered in January 2025.

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Petrol/plug-in electric hybrid was the fourth most popular type of car registered in Louth in January 2026, with 110 registered, up 20.9% on the 91 registered in January 2025.

Diesel cars rounded out the top five most popular type of new car registered in January 2026, with 87 registered, which is down 13.9% on the 101 registered in Louth in January 2025.

Nationally, new car registrations for January were up 3.3%, with 34,604 new cars registered compared to 33,499 in January 2025.

In January 7,319 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was 48.7% higher than the 4,923 registrations in January 2025. This growth represents the highest number of electric car registrations to date.

In the new car market share by engine type, petrol electric hybrids have taken the lead for the first time at 28.28% as the most popular engine type, followed by electric 21.15%, petrol 20.94%, plug-in hybrid 14.56%, and diesel 12.48%.

Imported Used Cars have seen a 43.5% (8,041) rise in January 2026, when compared to January 2025 (5,604).

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “2026 has started promisingly for the new car market. January, a key month for sales, saw 34,604 new cars registered, a 3% increase on the same month last year. The commercial sector experienced mixed results.

"Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) saw an increase of 22% while Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations saw a decrease of 17% on January last year.

"Battery technology cars (BEV, PHEV, HEV) saw significant growth. Their market share accounted for nearly two-thirds of new car sales in January, with the combined market share of traditional petrol and diesel cars falling to 33%. Hybrid-electric vehicles are the most popular engine choice, taking the position as market leader for the first time.

"The momentum in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) sales from last year has carried over into January 2026. BEV sales rose significantly in January with 7,319 units registered compared to 4,923 units last year, the highest monthly volume to date.

"Over one in five new cars registered in January were fully electric vehicles. Private consumers accounted for 75% of BEV sales, an 11% increase on last year.

"Government incentives, expanding EV model choices, and a greater range of price points are all helping consumers make the switch. If we want this emerging market to continue to expand, focus on infrastructure and Government supports will be key.”