The number of new cars licensed in Ireland in July 2022 fell by a quarter, compared to a year earlier.
New stats from the CSO show last year's figure was more than 5,100 higher than this year.
It also points to consumers choosing electric cars more often - the share of EVs rose by 7% in a year.
Sunday Independent Motoring Editor, Geraldine Herbert, says there are a number of factors behind the dramatic fall in the total number of new cars:
"Yeah we have a delay with new cars at the moment about putting people off as long waiting times due to the global chip shortage and also the cost of living crisis I say as making people reconsider do they really need to change their car."
