SIMI Call For Change In Reg System

-Chris-

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/motors/2010/0602/1224271656591.html

Call for registration system overhaul

MICHAEL McALEER

A CHANGE in the current registration system is being sought by car distributors and dealers in Ireland in an effort to spread out the current glut of sales at the start of the year. As new car sales this year already exceed the total sold in 2009, with 57,898 cars registered, some industry figures say businesses in the industry face front-loaded costs at the start of the year and then struggle to justify the expenditure on staff and premises as business dries up towards the autumn.

“The key issue we have with the current registration system is that between 60 to 70 per cent of new cars are sold in the first four months of the year, so funding for everyone operating and costs is enormously front-loaded,” says Alan Nolan, of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (Simi).

“And it’s not just an issue for ourselves – the National Car Test calls in cars based on the date of registration and in recent years they have witnessed a huge proportion of tests due in the first four months and far fewer as the year goes on,” he says.

Alternatives to the system are being discussed within the industry lobby group.

However, they are likely to get a lukewarm reception from Government and civil servants, who don’t believe the cost of changing the current system is either timely or worthwhile.

Also, not everyone in the industry agrees that the system is broken. One senior industry source warned that dealers and distributors need to be careful what they wish for.

“If people don’t have the incentive of the new registration on the numberplate, they may well revert to only buying new when the car is actually new. With many manufacturers fully updating models every seven years or so, that could mean people will hold onto their cars for longer. It may ease the rush of the early months but only by reducing the number of people buying cars,” he said. “For all the problems, there’s no doubting that the current system offers a tempting incentive to buy, for some.”

Apart from seeking to downplay or remove the year of registration, Simi is also suggesting that buyers be allowed to change the county of registration to their own after they buy a used car. According to Nolan, the transfer could generate significant revenue for Government and be assigned to local roads maintenance. It won’t affect the information on the used car either.

When the registration is changed, the old registration for the car would not be used again, but would reside with the car, allowing full background checks to be carried out through the various history check services, as at present.

What does anyone think of this?

I'd have to agree I think it's a dangerous move - I think the year based reg plates have been a major driver of sales over the last few years, and not referencing the year could take further momentum out of the market.

I think the ability to change the county on your reg could be a decent advantage for certain drivers, but would it really be taken up wholesale (imagine it costs €1k, like reserving a "cherished reg", would you do it?).

Do you really see there being significant push-back from the Gov't & civil servants? This seems like a pretty simple change compared to MPH>KMPH or the VRT change...

jimmysull

Madness,
The only way taking the year off the reg will "spread out" car sales is that people will drive their cars for longer if the year isn't easily identifiable....ie fewer car sales in total

Zubeneschamali

-Chris- wrote: »

What does anyone think of this?

Mad. Completely counter-productive. Remove that new year on the reg, and lots of idiots people will have no reason to change until the car is 4 and someone says "NCT" to them.

Owen

This is Ireland. It'll be talked to death, and bugger all will be done. The talking it to death will cost a fortune in feasibilty studies.

Atomic Pineapple

We have a clear and concise number plate as it is that helps new car sales by offering vain people their cherished new year reg, changing it makes no sense.

Cookie_Monster

However, they are likely to get a lukewarm reception from Government and civil servants, who don’t believe the cost of changing the current system is either timely or worthwhile.

For once they are 100% IMO. There is nothing wrong with the reg system, and I think it's one of the more useful ones in Europe for quickly providing relevant info. It also makes a partial ID much easier as its always year [space] county [space] numbers. rather than just a jumble of letters and numbers

pajo1981

The current reg system format is considered to be one of the best in europe.

Typical that SIMI want to fúck it up.

no1beemerfan

I too think its madness, sure there are twats that believe the 1st two digits on a number plate is the be all and end all of owing a car but its one of the easiest to make sense of and more importantly to remember if needs be.

smash

I can imagine it now, going to look at a 2010 car with a reg full of jumbled letters, to then find out on the VLC that it's a 2009 car and then the dealer to say "Yea, but it's a 2010 model."

A lot of people will be scammed if this system is introduced!

Saab Ed

pajo1981 wrote: »

The current reg system format is considered to be one of the best in europe.

Who thinks that now? Would that be the European study group of the use and format of registration numbers or is it the International monitory board of quality and conciseness of identification plates

" The current reg system format is considered to be one of the best in europe " ...... What kind of a horsesh!te statement is that

peasant

I'm surprised that nobody has pushed for the UK system yet (seenashow we ape our neighbours in almost everything else) where they have the reg split in two per year.

We could have 10 a - D - 12345 and 10 b - D - 12345 or possibly even go from a to l for the 12 months

or do it like this 01/10 - D 12345 to 12/10 - D - 12345

no1beemerfan

peasant wrote: »

I'm surprised that nobody has pushed for the UK system yet (seenashow we ape our neighbours in almost everything else) where they have the reg split in two per year.

We could have 10 a - D - 12345 and 10 b - D - 12345 or possibly even go from a to l for the 12 months

or do it like this 01/10 - D 12345 to 12/10 - D - 12345

You've just given me a headache!!

Atomic Pineapple

peasant wrote: »

I'm surprised that nobody has pushed for the UK system yet (seenashow we ape our neighbours in almost everything else) where they have the reg split in two per year.

We could have 10 a - D - 12345 and 10 b - D - 12345

If your doing that just add a letter to the end of the registered number:

10-D-1234A

10-D-1234X

So its still nice and clear and you can split the year into two.

TomMc

I myself prefer a system that doesn't state the year of a vehicle.

But as reg plates are primarily about a quick form of identification for a vehicle (not increasing sales due to vanity or snob value), the current system does exactly what it says on the tin. Especially for the average person. They understand the format so only have to really concentrate on remembering the last few numbers as the year and county tend to stick to mind fairly easily. In the early to mid 80's most cars only has six digits, now possibly nine. The current system works for its prime purpose.

Vehicles will always be priced on year (as well as condition) but as the UK system can cross over two years (Sept - March), this is more complicated for most people. It may drive sales forward but it doesn't help as much with vehicle identification. If you are not into reg numbers it is harder to remember them if the age and location is a slightly more complex arrangement.

Eoin

What exactly is broken with the current system? Personally I like reg plate snobbery - means more bargains.

MetzgerMeister

I think the system they have in Belgium IIRC is the best. When you start driving, you're given your own personal reg plate which stays with you for life. It would save a hell of a lot of hassle when it comes to change of ownership with the current system etc.

pajo1981

Saab Ed wrote: »

Who thinks that now? Would that be the European study group of the use and format of registration numbers or is it the International monitory board of quality and conciseness of identification plates

" The current reg system format is considered to be one of the best in europe " ...... What kind of a horsesh!te statement is that

UK police, dickhead.

You want to sell more cars. We want to keep our reg system. Go fúck yourself.

TestTransmission

einheisserschre wrote: »

I think the system they have in Belgium IIRC is the best. When you start driving, you're given your own personal reg plate which stays with you for life. It would save a hell of a lot of hassle when it comes to change of ownership with the current system etc.

What happens if you own multiple cars?Not being a smartass btw

pa990

TestTransmission wrote: »

What happens if you own multiple cars?Not being a smartass btw

Your two cars will both have the same reg plate

MetzgerMeister

TestTransmission wrote: »

What happens if you own multiple cars?Not being a smartass btw

That's a good point! I would say another digit would be added like <REG>1 for the first car and <REG>2 for the second and so on.

Or what Pa said.

Another thing that would have to be done is your reg stamped onto your license. This *could* help cut down cloning although licenses can be forged too but it *could* help.

Eoin

pajo1981 wrote: »

UK police, dickhead.

You want to sell more cars. We want to keep our reg system. Go fúck yourself.

Banned for a week.

drunkmonkey

I never liked the year being on the reg, I think it makes good cars look old before their time.
There would be a lot more good cars driven a lot longer if we done away with the current snob system. It sucks!

STForSale

The guy was provoked!
Anyway, when did people on here start caring what SIMI think?
Can't see the current system ever changing, probably cost a fortune and last I heard
we're broke.

smash

NEWSFLASH:

SIMI involved in another nonsensical move to cost the taxpayer millions just so it appears they're actually doing something.

Atomic Pineapple

drunkmonkey wrote: »

I never liked the year being on the reg, I think it makes good cars look old before their time.

Only to people who think the registration plate is the most important part of the car.

Saab Ed

einheisserschre wrote: »

I think the system they have in Belgium IIRC is the best. When you start driving, you're given your own personal reg plate which stays with you for life. It would save a hell of a lot of hassle when it comes to change of ownership with the current system etc.

Like the Austrians and the Germans and a host of other European countries. You're given a number at the start and that way your number is your responsibility forever.

I dont really care if we change the numbers or not , it does , as a saleman , give me a laugh to see people spending a fortune for a newer reg plate while at the same time walking straight past a nicer,year older car just because of that fact , its a year older!

If your old car is worn out and you buy a new one then that makes sence but changing an 07 to an 09 is nuts IMO and I sell the bloody things.

Gregor Samsa

And maybe Christmas should be spread out over the year so that toy and perfume sales aren't all concentrated in December. Another halloween in March to help the nut industry. :rolleyes:

The current system works fine. It offers an easily identifiable and memorable unique identifier for every vehicle in the country, which is the sole purpose of the vehicle registration number system.

The SIMI should be putting their efforts into basic things like customer satisfaction in order to boost and keep business, rather than constantly trying to put the blame elsewhere.

STForSale

Saab Ed wrote: »

Like the Austrians and the Germans and a host of other European countries. You're given a number at the start and that way your number is your responsibility forever.

I dont really care if we change the numbers or not , it does , as a saleman , give me a laugh to see people spending a fortune for a newer reg plate while at the same time walking straight past a nicer,year older car just because of that fact , its a year older!

If your old car is worn out and you buy a new one then that makes sence but changing an 07 to an 09 is nuts IMO and I sell the bloody things.

Some people change their car simply because they can.
Others like to drive a car that is under warrantly.
People get car allowances through work.
<Insert any other reason>
Nice to know that while they are paying your wages, they are also entertaining you.

Saab Ed

STForSale wrote: »

Nice to know that while they are paying your wages, they are also entertaining you.

Why on a public forum where everybody can express an opinion and where you know ( or should know ) that you're gonna have a difference of opinion , why do people take it so personally. Just want to distinguish that fact from what is known as " Provocation " Like, did you ever entertain me by doing something that I thought was stupid. If you did then thanks for the laugh , if not then what are you getting worked up about.

ShadowHearth

omg seriuosly, why they cant think of something, that will actually BE USEFULL!!!


It will only damage the sales, as alot of monkeys in this country like to have a same first digit on number plate as the year at that minute...


To be honest, displaying a year on the reg plate is THE BEST IDEA EVER!!! Its just,.... briliant... why to change something that does not make any harm!

STForSale

Saab Ed wrote: »

Why on a public forum where everybody can express an opinion and where you know ( or should know ) that you're gonna have a difference of opinion , why do people take it so personally. Just want to distinguish that fact from what is known as " Provocation " Like, did you ever entertain me by doing something that I thought was stupid. If you did then thanks for the laugh , if not then what are you getting worked up about.

I have absoloutley no idea what you are trying to say.
back on topic....
I think the reg system in Ireland is one of the few things we have got right.
Other countries should copy it.
Car registration is not just a tool to boost or influence car sales, but I don't expect are car salesman
to understand this.

Saab Ed

STForSale wrote: »

I think the reg system in Ireland is one of the few things we have got right.
Other countries should copy it.
Car registration is not just a tool to boost or influence car sales, but I don't expect are car salesman
to understand this.

I do think that the system should be changed but not because of boosting sales , because I think its much easier to just keep a number with a person i.e like a PPS number. No more LS plates in Dublin or CN in Kerry. Simple really ..... but I wouldn't expect someone who isn't a car salesman to understand this :D

PS ~ If you ever need some tips on how to sell your car just give me a shout . Talk to you STForSale

Stevie Dakota

I think it would be nice to have a different coloured number plate for each month.

Jan - White
Feb - Blue
March - green
April - Yellow
May - Red
June - Teal
July - Gold
August - Pink
Sep - Brown
October - Grey
November - Orange
December - Beige

Can't see the difficulty in implementation. And we could all laugh at the idiot with the beige plate.

celticbest

This is the type of idea I would expect from someone in Government trying to make up a job for a few of there mates. Complete and utter bullsh!t.....

IMO it will never happen.

Owen

In defense of the SIMI (Can't believe I just wrote that) The market is very front loaded, and dealers sell very little new cars after May and are under heavy financial pressure for the first few months of the year. But in defense of the existing system, it's brilliantly simple. I'm not sure if changing it would be a good idea.

Vertakill

Saab Ed wrote: »

Simple really ..... but I wouldn't expect someone who isn't a car salesman to understand this :D

PS ~ If you ever need some tips on how to sell your car just give me a shout . Talk to you STForSale

I dunno how you manage to fly under the radar when bans are being dished out. You called someone elses post horsesh1te and now you're goading this guy, yet everyone else gets banned and you don't...


Aaanyways, SIMI are full of crap and, exactly what someone else said, are just trying to make it look like they're doing something.

I can't imagine the change will ever happen, especially when it stands to lower car sales when we need it to be higher.

pa990

if the system was to change.. (And i'm not in favour of a change)
I'd like to see a system where each person is issued with a reg number for life.

If the presso has more than one vehicle, then an extra letter or number at the end of the plate.

daveharnett

This is mad. Is the seasonal custom really so troublesome that dealers would rather sell fewer cars? I would have expected the industry to fight tooth and nail to defend the current system against consumer groups.

I think an alternative system could shift the priority back to quality rather than age, which would be good news for everybody. I'd rather those people with more money than sense buy a great new car every 5 years (then sell it to me ), than a shiny new piece of crap every 2.

Panda Moanium

So it seems the consensus opinion on here is that the current system is great.....but that anyone who falls for it is an idiot.

Surely some confused thinking there?

Doesn't the fact that the system is so front loaded at present strike you as an unhealthy way to operate? Garages rushed off their feet for a few weeks in the year, idle the rest, cars stock-piled for months for the January rush etc...

Personally I don't think there are as many latest year reg snobs out there as many of you make out. Most people will change cars within their circumstances anyway. Of course at present everyone buys early in the year - because the system penalises against later in the year purchases - but don't confuse that with new car reg snobbery. For every person that buys a car in January there is another who may have bought in August but decides instead to wait until the following January. Net result, the same number of car sales over a year.

Another point - what about last year when it was considered 'uncool' to drive around in a 09 reg because of the economic downturn. How many sales were lost there because of the current system?

Moving on, whatever about the pros and cons of the year based system, the current set-up is far from perfect from a purely visual perspective. Everyone sees the year and the county but then....up to six numbers, with the majority of cars carrying five. Not easy to read at a glance and instantly forgettable. A more alpha-numerical mix would be much easier to memorise. And do we need up to nine characters when they can get away with seven in the UK?

Also compared to the UK, the number size is physically smaller - see how much harder it is to read an Irish plate from a distance compared to a UK one.

Just my thoughts....

daveharnett

Panda Moanium wrote: »

Moving on, whatever about the pros and cons of the year based system, the current set-up is far from perfect from a purely visual perspective. Everyone sees the year and the county but then....up to six numbers, with the majority of cars carrying five. Not easy to read at a glance and instantly forgettable. A more alpha-numerical mix would be much easier to memorise. And do we need up to nine characters when they can get away with seven in the UK?

From a law enforcement pov, I would imagine the current system is quite good. The year, county, three digits (all pretty easy to spot and remember) plus a make and color should be plenty to ID a car.

batman1

The D reg could be done away with.

That way it would be easier to spot gardai,ministers, dubliners etc...:D

Seriously though, it works well, why change it? And, the plates are quite easy to remember, which is a factor for crime prevention etc.

The SIMI must have an alterior motive for suggesting this move.

Would it inflate the price of used cars?

Dubluc

I've read this article with interest. As someone who is thinking of changing my car soon I like the present system. I stop by a forecourt and can easily identify the cars in my price range by virtue of the fact the year is clearly displayed on them. I only need to research year price and model and extras available. I don't ever need to call into the sales person unless I actually want to.

I can't see how the year has snob value as such. Most people I've ever met boasting about their car usually blow most hot air about about the make and model rather than the year. After all if they've been foolish enough to buy brand new everyone already knows it's the current year.

Even if the system is changed people who are conscious of getting most value out of the year will still buy early. For example if say you are buying a car today and it's a Dec 2007 or Jan 2008 it'll all else being equal be about the same price cos both cars are 2 1/2 years old however a late 2008 car is only 1 1/2 years old. Two 2008 cars almost a year apart. Price and condition will then dictate not year surely.

Best way in my opinion to re organise the system is to split up Dublin into the counties which actually exist not one which was abolished 16 years ago. I'd suggest D for the city, SD for Co. South Dublin, DR for Co. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, and FL for Co. Fingal.

daveharnett

Dubluc wrote: »

Best way in my opinion to re organise the system is to split up Dublin into the counties which actually exist not one which was abolished 16 years ago. I'd suggest D for the city, SD for Co. South Dublin, DR for Co. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, and FL for Co. Fingal.

Well, that'd be one way of producing a full blown riot outside leinster house

kasper

its very easy to sort out the nct part of it , cars over 4 years old and under 10 get a 2 year certificate from date the car was tested , 10 year old cars get a 1 year certificate from date of test

bbability

hang on a second. They have no one to blame but themselves on this stupid theory and why they think they're losing money. Far from the people who buy a new car in the first four months of the year what about the poor fella who buys a new car in november and 3 years later decides to trade in.. he/she is given the poor trade in value and the old line "sure its a 2002, it doesn't matter about the month you bought it".

Their the ones who have people trapped into buying cars early in the year so they don't get stung on the trade in

-Chris-

Saab Ed wrote: »

PS ~ If you ever need some tips on how to sell your car just give me a shout . Talk to you STForSale

Enough of that please!

Vertakill wrote: »

I dunno how you manage to fly under the radar when bans are being dished out. You called someone elses post horsesh1te and now you're goading this guy, yet everyone else gets banned and you don't...

If you don't like what someone says, report the post. Please don't back-seat mod.

-Chris-

PaintDoctor wrote: »

In defense of the SIMI (Can't believe I just wrote that)

:eek:

You feelin' ok PD?

Eoin

Too much handbags, thread is closed.

Vertakill and STForSale, if you have problems with the moderation then you can contact the mod in question, and then the cat mod. You don't do it on thread as it just details the thread even more.