The comments come as the SIMI has launched a car history website to help those buying secondhand cars, using data from here and abroad for the website, www. carhistorycheck. ie.

Mr Cusack says the website will offer customers reassurance when buying a secondhand car and urged customers to look for the new Car History Check Certificate.

The certificate will show items such as outsanding finance contracts on vehicles, previous owners, information from the NCT, mileage and information relating to imported vehicles.