Car registrations through scrappage climb towards 290,000

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the scrappage scheme accounted for 20.9% of all new car registrations in December, on par with the 20.6% level seen since May. Cars account for 98.3% of total vehicles through the scheme and without the scheme, volumes would have been down sharply. Vans registered as a result of the scrappage scheme over the May to December period totalled only 4,494 units. The scheme accounted for 3.9% of van volumes in December and 3.6% over the May-December period. Commenting on the data, SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said, "The Scrappage Incentive Scheme has helped significantly to increase new car registrations in each of the last six months, including a 38.9% increase in the December 2009 market. This has provided an important boost to the UK motor industry and greater confidence for consumers. The scheme will continue until the end of February and there is still an opportunity for around 85,000 more consumers to take advantage of it. Alongside the economic benefits, the scheme has helped to promote the take-up of cleaner, safer and more fuel efficient vehicles."