The Irish motor industry is broadly composed of the following sectors:
Vehicle Sales: This includes new and used car sales by authorized dealers, as well as independent second-hand car sales.
Vehicle Imports: Ireland relies heavily on vehicle imports, especially from the UK, though Brexit has significantly impacted this flow.
Aftersales and Servicing: Vehicle maintenance, repairs, and parts distribution form a substantial part of the industry.
Commercial Vehicles: Trucks, vans, and other business-use vehicles also represent a crucial segment.
Leasing and Car Rentals: Both short-term and long-term leasing, as well as car hire, are growing sub-sectors.
Apprenticeships in the motor industry include:
Motor Mechanics
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
Vehicle Body Repairs
Agricultural Mechanics
Construction Plant Fitting
SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) is the official voice of the motor industry in Ireland. We are a member's organisation which consists of Dealers, Repairers, Vehicle Distributors, Wholesalers, Retailers, Vehicle Testers and many more important operators within the industry in Ireland.
Our role is to represent the views of the motor industry by campaigning to the Government, state bodies, the media and the motoring public.
Women@SIMI provides a platform for professional females, representing different sectors within the Irish Motor Industry to meet, network and share their experiences in what is otherwise viewed as a traditional male dominated environment.
Size and scope of this sector
Over 40000 people are employed in Ireland's motor industry.
The Irish motor industry is deeply integrated into the national economy:
€12–14 billion in annual turnover from dealers and related trades,
€1.2 billion in government revenue from tax on vehicle purchases,
Employs tens of thousands, and represents 2–3% of GDP.
The motor industry also plays a key role in training and development of young people through the national apprenticeship system. 760 apprentices where registered within the motor industry family of trades and that includes construction, heavy vehicle mechanic, motor mechanic, vehicle body repairs and agricultural mechanic. That’s an increase of 25% from the previous year.
The Motor Industry offers a wide variety of career choices from marketing, finance, IT, human resources, technical, sales, administration, and many more.
Current issues
Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in manufacturing and logistics continue to affect vehicle availability.
High Vehicle Prices: Both new and used cars have seen significant price increases due to limited supply and Brexit-related issues.
Charging Infrastructure: While improving, the availability and speed of EV chargers remain a concern, particularly in rural areas.
Consumer Confidence: Economic uncertainties, interest rate fluctuations, and high insurance costs can influence consumer purchasing decisions.
Anticipated changes
The Irish motor industry is in a dynamic phase, marked by strong government-led environmental policies, rapidly changing consumer preferences, and global supply challenges. Electrification is the dominant force shaping its future, and while obstacles remain (particularly infrastructure and affordability), the sector is progressively aligning with Ireland’s ambitious climate goals. The next five years will likely bring accelerated change, increased competition in the EV market, and more sophisticated digital consumer experiences.
Future Outlook:
Growth in EV Adoption: EVs are expected to dominate the market over the next five years, particularly with improved charging networks and falling battery costs.
Digitalization: Online car sales and digital servicing platforms are likely to expand, changing the traditional dealership model.
Alternative Mobility Solutions: Growth in car-sharing schemes, subscription-based models, and micro-mobility solutions is anticipated, especially in urban centres.
Focus on Sustainability: Environmental regulations will continue to shape product offerings, pushing manufacturers and dealers toward greener operations.
Interesting statistics
Motor vehicle dealer revenue in Ireland was approximately €12.3 billion in 2024 (covering both new and used car sales)
More broadly, the Motor Trades sector—which includes vehicle sales, maintenance/repair, and parts retail—had €13.8 billion in total turnover.
Current skills shortages
Ireland's motor trade is currently navigating critical skills shortages, especially in EV/high-voltage technicians and core mechanical roles.
High‑Voltage / EV Technicians
Ireland’s shift to electric vehicles has created a significant shortage of high-voltage and EV-skilled technicians, especially for diagnostics and repair of battery and powertrains
This aligns with wider European findings: garages lacking specialized EV-trained personnel risk falling behind the green transition
Traditional Mechanics & Technicians
Shortages are also evident among general vehicle technicians and mechanics, particularly in routine servicing, diagnostics, body repairs, painting, tyre fitting, exhaust and windscreen work.
Garages across Ireland are reporting increasing delays and “serious delays in service work” due to a lack of skilled mechanics.
