Scrappage registrations approach 380,000 units

By 31 March, 372,401 new cars had been registered through the scrappage scheme, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT). 

Scrappage accounted for 12.2% of all new car registrations in March.

The scheme accounted for 3.2% of the total van market in March, with 6,577 new LCVs registered through the scheme since it began in May 2009.

Average CO2 emissions of a car bought through the scheme were 132.9g/km, 27.1% below a scrapped car’s figure and 9.6% below the overall new car market average.

Commenting on the data, SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said, “Final scrappage orders had to be placed by the end of March and already almost 380,000 vehicles have been registered, out of the 400,000 available. The scheme has provided a hugely important stimulus to the market and leaves industry in far better health than we saw in pre-scrappage 2009. Consumers will also benefit from the improved fuel efficiency, the latest safety features and cleaner tailpipe emissions available from the new vehicles purchased through the scheme.”