DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland's auto industry shifted into higher gear in March, with a sharp jump of 18.5 percent in new car registrations and renewed momentum in electric vehicle (EV) sales.

New car sales helped bring total registrations for the first quarter of the year to 64,824 — a 3.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Electric vehicles, which experienced a slowdown in late 2023, are now on the rise again. EV sales climbed 26 percent in the year to date, reaching 9,978 units and now making up 15.4 percent of all new cars sold.

Petrol-powered vehicles continue to dominate the Irish market, accounting for 28 percent of sales, followed by regular hybrids at 24 percent. Diesel models accounted for 17 percent, while plug-in hybrids comprised 14 percent.

Toyota remains Ireland's top-selling brand so far in 2024, with 9,755 registrations. Volkswagen holds second place with 6,692, followed by Hyundai at 6,286. The Hyundai Tucson is the country's most popular new car, with 2,830 sales, ahead of the Toyota Yaris Cross, which sold 2,080 units.

In the electric segment, Volkswagen leads the pack with 1,554 EV registrations, followed by Kia with 1,430 and Hyundai with 874. The VW ID.4 continues to deliver strong performance as Ireland's top-selling electric vehicle, with 996 units sold. Tesla's Model 3 trails behind at 656.

Despite criticism of Elon Musk's political affiliations in the United States — including protests over his links to the Trump administration — Tesla's Irish performance remains resilient. The brand recorded 872 sales so far this year, a five percent increase from 2023.

Meanwhile, the commercial vehicle sector tells a different story. Van sales have dipped by 13 percent to 13,352 units, while truck sales fell by 11 percent to 1,181. Analysts often view these segments as a barometer of wider business sentiment, suggesting some lingering caution in the economy.