Car Scrappage Scheme Continues to Drive Sales North

The UK Car Scrappage Scheme continued to boost sales as per the previous month with new car sales for August increasing 6% a year-on-year to just over 67,000. UK car sales for July increased by nearly 2.5%, which was the first rise since April 2008.

August Car Sales – The Best Sellers
1  Ford Focus 4,366
2  Ford Fiesta 2,968
3  Hyundai i10 2,431
4  Vauxhall Corsa 2,031
5  Volkswagen Golf 1,832
6  Peugeot 207 1,558
7  BMW 3 Series 1,482
8  Vauxhall Astra 1,355
9  Vauxhall Insignia 1,334
10 Toyota Yaris 1,331
Source: SMMT
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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) stated there was a clear link between the Car Scrappage Scheme and sales increase with the smaller fuel-efficient models benefitting the most.

However, despite displaying resilient and determined chararcteristics, total car sales since the beginning of 2009 are still down by 21.5% compared to the same period for 2008. This demonstrates the severity of the recession and also provides an indication of how low car sales would have been if the Car Scrappage Scheme had not been launched.

“The scrappage incentive scheme is having a positive impact but with consumer and business confidence still fragile, there remain significant risks ahead,” commented SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt, who also added “It is essential that these early signs of recovery are sustained into 2010,” he added.

Compare and contrast the month of August, which typically accounts for nearly 3.3% of annual new car registrations, whereas September typically takes up to 17% of new sales. Based on these historical sales figures, September will provide a key test and indicator for the motor industry’s future when the new ‘59′ number plates are introduced.