Official statistics released today by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that the total new car registrations for the month of August are down 13.3% (5,131) when compared with August 2018 (5,921). New car registrations year to date are down 7.9% (110,572) on the same period last year (120,003). Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commented: “Despite the strong economic growth, the new car market continues to contract this year, with registrations for the month of August following this trend. In this business context and with the increasing likelihood of a hard Brexit, SIMI is calling on the Minister for Finance not to increase taxes on new cars in Budget 2020.