News
Decline in new car sales
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THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has issued the Q2 Motor Industry. The review outlined that new car sales in the first half of 2017 declined by 10% when compared to new cars sold during the first half of 2016. The report highlighted that a combination of factors, including rising housing, rental and health insurance costs and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, were affecting disposable income and making consumers cautious about purchasing big-ticket items.
During the first six months, new car sales declined in every county, with Donegal experiencing the largest decline at 18.6%, while Cavan had the smallest decline of 4.4%. New car sales in Dublin accounted for 40.6% of the total new car market, the report showed. Car registrations in Kerry: Year to date, 2,561 Vs 2016 2,943 down 12.98%
The market share for hybrid vehicles increased from 1.6% to 3.2%. At the same time, there has been a welcome rebalancing of the Diesel/Petrol market shares and it is likely that this trend is set to continue toward equality between the two fuel types. Registrations of new diesel cars, reduced from 71% to 66%. There was a small decrease in new petrol car sales, which were down just 1% and they accounted for 30.2% of all new cars sold.
Imported cars, the vast majority of which are from the UK, continued to be a significant part of the overall car market the review found. It showed that during the first half of the year, 46,004 used cars were imported, which represented an increase of 42.6% compared to the same period in 2016.
The review also highlights that nearly half of all imported used cars during this period were five years or older, while the diesel share of used imports is just over 79%. Sterling weakness and a scarcity of second hand cars due to the collapse in new car sales from 2009 onwards, were the main factors behind the strong increase in used imports.
The report also shows a number of price decreases in the cost of motoring. The average price of a new car in May 2017 was 4.1% lower than a year earlier, while the cost of motor insurance in May 2017 was 8.4% lower than it was a year earlier.
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke proposal planning service.
Part of the TMR Hotel Collection, the five-star property aims to handle every detail of popping the question, offering discreet support from initial planning to execution.
The process begins with a private consultation to tailor the occasion to the couple. Services on offer include secure ring safekeeping, hidden photography or videography, custom floral arrangements, manicures at the hotel spa, and candlelit balcony or penthouse setups.
Post-proposal options include private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, framed photos delivered at evening turndown, custom embroidered robes, and helicopter flights.
Speaking on the launch, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa General Manager Brian Bowler highlighted the focus on reducing stress for guests.
“Proposals are among the most meaningful moments in a person’s life, yet they often come with significant pressure,” Bowler said. “Our Engagement Concierge allows guests to focus entirely on the moment itself. We discreetly manage every detail behind the scenes.”
The hotel is also offering follow-up planning for engagement parties and weddings, ranging from intimate penthouse gatherings for up to 18 guests to full exclusive venue takeovers.
Consultations are designed around individual preferences and budgets. Further information is available at aghadoeheights.com/engagement-concierge or through the hotel’s wedding team.
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule
Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth will head to Killarney next month as part of an ambitious winter events schedule announced by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
The legendary sprinter will take centre stage for ‘An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth’ on Wednesday, October 7 at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The complimentary discussion event, sponsored by AIB, promises an inspiring insight into the career of one of Ireland’s greatest-ever sporting figures.
The high-profile appearance forms part of a busy lineup of upcoming gatherings designed to connect local businesses and residents across the town.
The schedule kicks off on Wednesday, September 30 with a Chamber Luncheon at the Killarney Heights Hotel, offering members a key networking opportunity ahead of the autumn season.
Chamber leadership highlighted that the autumn and winter series continues the organisation’s core mission of bringing the local community together and showcasing Killarney as an outstanding place to live, work, and belong.
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service
Aghadoe Heights introduces Engagement Concierge service Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa has launched a full-service Engagement Concierge, providing a bespoke...
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule
Paralympic legend to headline Chamber winter schedule Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth will head to Killarney next month as...
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