Car sales have slumped as the industry battles the economic shock of the pandemic.
In July new purchases were down 14% compared to last year.
In the first seven months of the year sales have collapsed by 30%, with 74,069 cars bought - a drop of 30,000.
July saw a smaller fall than during the peak lockdown months according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
Director General Brian Cooke said: “While the July registration period did bring much needed activity back to showrooms, new car sales continue to disappoint, with another monthly fall.
“COVID-19 on the back of Brexit and an already falling new car market since 2016, now sees new car sales back to recession levels, down 30% year to date.
Looking further into the numbers, new car sales will fall for the fourth consecutive year, with a staggering 44% reduction over the last four years.”
Mr Cooke said the collapse in sales was now taking an impact on the age and condition of the national car fleet as drivers hang on to older motors.
That will take a toll on efforts to reduce transport emissions as outlined in the Programme for Government he warned.
“With the Budget only two months away, we need to see a reduction in VRT, to allow the car market return to normal sustainable levels, which will reduce both the age of the fleet and emissions,” he added.
Sales of electric vehicles are one of the few growth areas for the industry, with 771 cars sold in July compared to 733 last year.
The top five selling car brands so far this year are: Toyota Corolla , Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Focus and the Hyundai Kona.
The Corolla was also the best seller for the month of July.
