As we approach the end of the year, car sales remain strong with the UK new car market recording 152,730 registrations in October, a rise of 5.4% according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) cars accounted for all of the growth. PHEV registrations rose 30.1% to take a 15.0% market share, while BEV deliveries increased by 32.7% to secure 32.0% – their highest share this year as manufacturers intensified efforts to bring registrations closer to the annual mandated target. Overall, more than half a million BEVs have been registered this year.

However, despite this, the take-up of electric cars is less than required as manufacturers are faced with the government’s ZEV Mandate. This requires them to sell an increasing number of zero emission cars rising from 22% in 2024 to 80% in 2030. This year’s target is 33% with the market predicted to achieve only 27.2%. Considerable financial penalties are applied for failure to achieve the year’s target.

In Northern Ireland, the Ford Puma topped the October sales chart with the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, BYD Sealion 5, and MG HS completing the Top Five. Ford was the only European manufacturer. Year to date, the Kia Sportage dominates with 1,531 sales followed by the Ford Puma, Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and MG HS.

However, while we have two Chinese manufacturers in our local Top Five, we have Jaecoo dominance in the English and Scottish sales charts, sitting at the top in October sales and a healthy second place in total sales to date this year. Jaecoo’s rapid rise in Britain could also upset the dominant choices here as their network expands.

In the Republic, figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) revealed new car registrations for October were up 15% (2,501) compared to October 2025 (2,180). Registrations year to date are up 6% (130,754) on the same period last year (123,855).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 15% (7,831) increase in October 2026, compared to October 2025 (6,791). Year to date imports are up 32% (79,969) on 2025.

Donegal has recorded 2,902 car sales to date this year, of which 569 were all-electrics, representing an increase of over 61% compared to last year.

In the new car market share by engine type, Battery Electric cars lead with 27.74%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 23.54%, Petrol 19.43%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.99%, and Diesel 12.31%.

The five top selling new car models to date this year were: 1. Toyota Yaris Cross, 2. Hyundai Tucson, 3. Skoda Octavia, 4. Kia Sportage, 5. Skoda Kodiaq.

The top five BEV models were: 1. Volkswagen ID.4, 2. Tesla Model Y, 3. Skoda Enyaq, 4. Tesla Model 3, 5. Skoda Elroq.

Commenting on the figures, Emma Mitchell, Operations Director, SIMI, said, “Demand for new battery electric vehicles remained strong in October, helped by government support and market offerings. Year-to-date BEV sales reached 36,270 units, a 57% increase on the same period last year. Growth is being seen across the country, including strong increases in both urban and rural areas, with 61% of new electric cars registered outside Dublin this year. BEVs are now the most popular powertrain for Irish new car buyers so far this year.”