7:10 am, April 7, 2009
SMMT chief Paul Everitt today writes exclusively for Car Dealer on why a scrappage scheme is right for the UK.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders boss has backed our Scrappage Scheme Now campaign and says the plan will bolster the flagging car industry.
Car Dealer is calling for the government to make a decision NOW on a scrappage scheme, which would see buyers offered around £2,000 for trading in a car nine years or older for a new, greener model.
We believe the delay in a decision from the government is hurting dealers as buyers hold off on purchasing in the hope it’ll be arriving soon.
In his blog for Car Dealer, Everitt points to similar schemes running in Europe that are already boosting sales.
‘Schemes are already running in many of the major European markets with Germany’s having the most direct and encouraging impact,’ writes Everitt.
‘In February, the first full month of the scheme, registrations rose by 21.5 per cent and resulted in a number of vehicle manufacturers reversing planned cutbacks. This compares to a further fall in registrations in the UK.
‘A UK scrappage scheme would bring much needed relief to the motor industry and all the businesses that rely on it.’
We’ll be running a series of guest blogs from industry leaders and dealers about their thoughts on the proposed scrappage scheme over the next few days.
by JAMES BAGGOTT
We want to know what you think of the scheme too – tell us by commenting below. Or text us to have your say. Text DEALER then your message to 82085 – add your name and we’ll publish your comments.
