150,000 Cars Sold Through UK Scrappage

Scrappage schemes brought significant changes all over the world, as governments encouraged buyers to purchase new and greener models with cash vouchers offered in exchange for trading-in old cars. The UK is the living proof that a scrapping bonus can become a hit in a matter of weeks, as Britons have already purchased 150,000 cars and more to come in the upcoming months.

According to a report by AFP, dealers received 154,927 orders from April 23 - the official debut date of the campaign - to August 2. The news was confirmed by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills who said the scheme comprised 38 manufacturers selling cars and commercial vans.

"I'm pleased that we have already achieved over 150,000 new car orders," Business Secretary Peter Mandelson was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source. "This is a great deal for manufacturers and dealers, not to mention the customers."

Hyundai and Ford are two of the carmakers that benefitted the most from the scrappage scheme, with the South Korean manufacturer even considering boosting production of its small-displacement models to cope with high demand.

"The scrappage incentive scheme is working well and has encouraged a lot more people back into showrooms," said in July SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. "In the coming months, we will see an increase in the rate of deliveries and this will confirm further progress on the industry's long road to recovery."

"The true impact of the vehicle scrappage scheme will be felt over the next few months, as the volume of orders made via the scheme are processed and consumers receive their cars," said Sue Robinson, director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), representing the UK's car dealers.