SMMT praises scrappage
April 1st, 2010 by Richard Aucock
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt has praised the ‘largely self-funding’ UK scrappage scheme.
Today, the scheme draws to a close, after providing what Everitt says was a crucial boost.
‘The Scrappage Incentive Scheme has given a much needed stimulus to the UK motor industry boosting sales and production volumes, protecting thousands of jobs in retail and manufacturing.
‘Around 20 percent of all new cars bought over the last 10 months came through the Scrappage scheme demonstrating the significant impact it had in bringing new vehicles with lower CO2 emissions and improved safety technology onto the UK roads.
‘Scrappage will continue to impact registrations data for a couple more months,’ added Everitt. This is due to the delay between ordering cars and taking delivery.
And, looking ahead, he reckons things may not be as gloomy as some commentators suggest. ‘While a slight dip in the market is expected, recent growth in business and fleet demand will soften the impact of the scheme’s closure.’
The SMMT also revealed yet more amazing scrappage stats:
• Average CO2 of scrappage cars is nearly 10 percent below the overall UK new car average
• The scheme will save 2.7 million tonnes of CO2
• New cars cut harmful emissions by more than half compared with scrapped cars
• The Government’s £1000 contribution is covered in VAT contributions for cars costing £7650 or more
• 324,991 new vehicles have been registered under the scrappage scheme
• 20 percent of the cars registered were either built in the UK or have an engine produced here
Tags: scrappage