Newly-released statistics show the number of new car registrations for the year 2018 fell by 4.4%.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) says there were 125,557 cars registered - as against 131,332 for 2017.

New Light Commercial Vehicle registrations (LCV) finished at 25,561, an increase of 5.55% for the year, while new Heavy Commercial Vehicle registrations (HGV) at 2,590 saw a slight decrease of 0.5% over the 12 months.

The number of used cars reached 100,755 for the first time in history - an increase of 7.81% on 2017.

And used Commercial Vehicle Imports decreased during 2018.

New electric car registrations for the year increased - with 1,233 registered in comparison to 622 in 2017.

Volkswagen takes the top spot | File photo

While the diesel and petrol market have moved closer, with diesel accounting for 54% and petrol at 44%.

In terms of car market share, Volkswagen was the most popular brand - followed by Toyota, Hyundai, Ford and Nissan.

SIMI director-general designate, Brian Cooke, said: "Despite the strong economic performance of Ireland last year, 2018 proved very challenging for new car sales.

"The drop in new car registrations is largely a result of Brexit and the associated weakness of sterling.

"This has led to a surge in used car imports over the last two years, and 2018 saw used imports surpass the 100,000 mark for the first time.

"The motor industry is however as always forward looking, and with the new 191 sales period now commencing, January and the first quarter will be the key focus for dealers."