The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has announced an increase of 2,200 jobs in the car industry in Ireland.
SIMI President, Eddie Murphy, likened the increase to another Google: "The increase can be compared to another Google opening up here, that's how significant it is. These jobs represent a saving of €55million for the Government."
The Government's Scrappage Scheme has been credited with the extra jobs. Car sales for the first quarter of the year are up 14 percent. More sales mean businesses can afford to take on more staff.
"Undoubtedly the reason businesses have been able to take on any staff is the introduction of the government Scrappage Scheme last year. New car sales have a direct impact on employment; an increase in car sales means an increase in jobs."
Murphy predicts a challenging year ahead but with the hope of improving sales that will allow businesses to expand:
"The first three months of the year are the most crucial in our industry and it is clear that Scrappage is continuing to be a big draw for motorists, with asking prices being so good. This year will still be a challenging one but I predict an improvement in new car sales this year. Hopefully, as levels of business begin to return to normal, more and more companies can continue to expand and reemploy."