UK Scrappage to End in February

The UK government decided to share the remaining scrappage scheme budget to carmakers in the UK, based on retail sales in 2009, with Mazda being among those who will get enough funding to "satisfy customer needs." Leaving aside the manufacturer's joy, the sharing of the scrappage budget means the program will soon be over.

“This really is the only fair way the Government could have divided up the remaining budget,” Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK said in a statement.

“It is good news for Mazda as we achieved the biggest retail share in our history last year. Based on our 2009 retail share and our forecast for 2010, we will get sufficient funding from the Government to satisfy our customers’ needs for the balance of the scrappage scheme."

“We have not yet announced our post-scrappage plans, but it is reasonable to assume that once the Government money runs out any offers from the majority of manufacturers will not be at the same level. We are advising customers to make the most of the offers on the table now to avoid disappointment."

The UK scrappage scheme will end on February 28 or sooner, should 400,000 vehicles be sold prior to that date. In an effort to make any day count, car manufacturers will likely flood the market with special offers, making February perhaps the best month to buy a new car in the UK. Just as an example, a Volvo XC90 can be purchased, in certain conditions, for £24,457, while a Mazda 5 can reach £14,345...