Scrappage success

More than 35,000 cars have been ordered through the car scrappage scheme, according to the latest figures released by the government.

Launched to provide short-term support for car manufacturers and companies in the supply chain, the government claims that the project has been a success with consumers buying one in five new cars through the scheme.

Prime minister Gordon Brown said: 'I am determined to do everything I can to see Britain through the downturn quickly and build a stronger Britain for the future. That is why I am delighted that more than 35,000 people have already taken up the government's offer of help to buy a new car when they scrap their old one. This scheme not only helps hard-pressed consumers, it also helps protect British jobs by stimulating demand for new cars.'

Sue Robinson, director of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), said: ‘Government figures that report 35,000 car sales resulting from the vehicle scrappage scheme would seem to show that the scheme is having a positive effect on the new car market. The incentive scheme is helping the industry revive sales, while also helping consumers get into a new car. This is a double win.'