It is reported that the government is to bring in a new licence-plate system next year amid fears that a ’13′ registration number would hit car sales.

According to the Irish Independent cars registered between January and the end of June will have a ’131′ registration.

And those from July 1st to the end of the year will have ’132′ on the plate.

The decision is based partly on fears that superstition about a ’13′ registration would affect sales.

And also partly in response to a plea from the motor industry to spread sales more evenly across the year.

New car sales are down 10,000 on last year.

While in the 3 months since May 10 car dealerships have gone out of business here.

The motor industry is making submissions to the government ahead of the Budget for next year.

Alan Nolan of the Irish Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has welcomed the move.