Hybrids overtake diesel in Ireland

Hybrid cars outsold diesels in Ireland in January, marking the continuation of a major shift in customer powertrain preference, writes Brian Byrne.

Of the 25,093 cars registered in the month, 27pc were hybrid vehicles, against 22pc for diesel. Petrol-only cars accounted for 29pc of registrations.

The hybrids were predominately Toyota models — almost three in four — followed by Ford, Hyundai, Lexus and Honda. Toyota filled the top five hybrid model registrations, led by the Corolla.

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