The Society of the Irish Motor Industry says the sector is continuing the strong growth seen across 2014.
New car registrations in January are up 31% year-on-year.
It expects total car sales to exceed 100,000 by the end of the year – the first time that figure will be reached since 2008.
SIMI Director General Alan Nolan says he's confident that growth can deliver a big boost to the economy – including new jobs to add to the 4,000 increase in 2013.
