There was a slight increase in the number of new cars sold in Waterford during August.
118 cars were registered in Waterford last month, that's 15 more than August of last year.
However, total sales since January are down almost 35% year-on-year.
Nationally, registrations are down 29%.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting on the market figures said:
"The outlook for 2021 is not optimistic, with the negative impact of both COVID and BREXIT, new car sales will continue at recession levels.
"The Motor Industry in Ireland supports employment in local communities throughout the country and to protect these jobs it needs a fair taxation environment in which to operate.
"With Budget 2021 only weeks away, now is the time for a significant reduction in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT).
"This would enable the car market return to normal sustainable levels that would not only save jobs but increase overall tax take and help renew the Irish car fleet, reducing both the age of the fleet and emissions from transport."
