A roundup of updates from across the motor trade and fleet management business so far this month.
Irish New Car Sales Were Up 13.1% in September
The start of the month saw SIMI – Society of the Irish Motor Industry release their new car registrations statistics for September. This showed that new car registrations in Ireland were up 13.1% (6,342) compared to September 2025 (5,607). Irish new car registrations for the year to date had increased by 5.4% (128,288) on those of the January-September period in 2025, which came in at 121,675. New battery electric car sales increased by 80.2% (3,126) on those of September 2025 (1,734), contributing to a 57.3% increase on those for the same period last year.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “2026 has been a landmark year for Battery Electric Vehicle sales, with 35,195 BEVs registered to the end of September, a 57% increase on 2025, making BEVs the most popular engine type in the Irish new car market. The momentum is clearly there, and the Government has a real opportunity in Budget 2027 to ensure the continued expansion in BEV sales. This is especially important in the context of increasing fossil fuel costs and Ireland’s climate targets. So, for Budget 2027, SIMI is giving a simple message to Government: extend the BEV supports for next year”.
UK Fleet Sales Surpassed 1m in September
UK fleet registrations passed the 1 million mark in September, according to statistics released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Combined fleet and business registrations made up 57.4% of all September registrations, totalling 201,370 (a 10%+ increase).. This increased the overall figure for fleet and business car registrations for the year so far to 1,043,306 (January-September 2025 came in at 961,200).
Mobile Device Use a Contributing Factor in 3.2% of UK Fatal Road Accidents
The UK’s Department of Transport has revealed statistics showing that 3.2% of fatal collisions in 2025 had the use of a mobile device recorded as a factor. Devices accounted for 2% of fatal or serious collisions and 1.8% of all collisions.
Mobile device use is classified as one of the ‘fatal four’ factors behind road traffic collisions, the other three being speed, alcohol and drugs, and seatbelt non-wearing. The term refers to mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and similar digital devices.
Mobile device use is listed as one of the ‘fatal four’ factors behind road traffic collisions, the other three being speed, alcohol and drugs, and seatbelt non-wearing. In this context, ‘mobile device’ refers to mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and similar digital devices.
Connolly Motor Group Invests €1m in New Volvo Dealership
Connolly Motor Group has invested €1m in a new Volvo dealership in Sligo. A permanent facility is expected to be completed in 2027, with the dealership operating from a temporary showroom in Collooney for the time being. The new showroom will display Volvo’s latest models and feature a Scandinavian-inspired design covering both sales and aftersales services.
Citroën 2 CV Concept Revealed at Paris Motor Show 2026
Citroën revealed the 2 CV Concept at the Paris Motor Show 2026. It has been described as being created by Citroën’s designers to “reinterpret the spirit of the 2 CV Fourgonnette for today’s needs in an endearing vehicle brimming with character”.
The 2 CV Fourgonnette was a go-to LCV for couriers, tradespeople and retail businesses alike. Citroën’s designers set out to revive the original’s spirit through a resolutely contemporary vision. Emphasis is being placed in creating an accessible, practical and ingenious electric vehicle while retaining the original’s endearing design.
Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroën and DS Automobiles, commented:
“The 2 CV Fourgonnette was more than just a work tool. It was part of everyday life. Simple, ingenious and accessible, it above all possessed something few commercial vehicles have: a soul. That is the spirit we are bringing back to life today. Because being useful should never mean being ordinary”.