More than 4,000 Audi vehicles were sold so far this year, marking the first time Audi has achieved this milestone since 2008.

It is seen as another sign of both increased consumer confidence and that the motor industry is continuing to recover.

Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) during the summer revealed new car sales were up 23% in the first half of this year.

That is already more cars sold than the total figure for 2013.

The Exchequer has also benefitted by over €629m in taxes from car sales this year. And although motor insurance is higher, both petrol and diesel prices are lower than the same period in 2013.

SIMI says Audi remains the number one premium car, with a 33.5% share of the premium car market.

There has been significant growth across all Audi models - notably A3 sales have increased by more than 50% this year, largely through the introduction of the A3 Saloon in the Irish market.

Managing director of Audi Ireland, Christian Gussen, said "Reaching over 4,000 registered vehicle sales is an achievement we are extremely proud of at Audi Ireland. We are confident that this upward trend will continue into next year with further sales growth in a larger volume 2015 car market."