Scrappage Exit response
February 25th, 2010 by Richard Aucock
SCRAPPAGE key car maker players have given Car Dealer Magazine their thoughts on the Exit Phase scheme.
Ford, Kia and Toyota have all offered us their views.
And it is Kia that is most outspoken! ‘KMUK is somewhat disappointed,’ said a spokesman, ‘that the scrappage scheme exit plan does not properly reflect the clear view of scrappage customers that Kia’s… cars have been amongst the stars of the scrappage scheme.’
The allocation criteria, he feels, does not fully show the brand’s big recent advances. But, in time, he expects the situation to rectify itself.
‘Should the entire Phase One allocation not be taken up amongst all manufacturers… then the BIS will share out that allocation amongst the brands according to their performance in the Phase One exit allocation.
‘So, by the end of March we believe matters will generally right themselves as customers will vote with their feet and their wallets.’
Kia, in other words, is not getting its fair share now – but should have by the time the scheme closes.
Ford was more succinct: it said the quota system is ‘the fairest means of distributing the remaining scrappage funding, with buyers and manufacturers both having a clear understanding of available funding.’
Ford confirms it will have used up ALL its allocation by the end of March: indeed, Car Dealer Magazine has heard of some Ford dealers with less than 10 scrappage cars on offer IN TOTAL.
Toyota? It continues to sell well under scrappage. ‘The final allocation of vehicles, when matched to our existing order pace, supports an anticipated scrappage scheme end date of late March.
‘What we do not know is how the end of scheme announcement will impact customer demand, therefore, bringing forward the anticipated end date.’
Generally then, with a few reservations, car makers seem to have responded well to the BIS scrappage rundown scheme.
What’s the feeling from car dealers on the ground?
By Richard Aucock
Tags: exit phase, Ford, Kia, scrappage, toyota