New car registrations completed through the scrappage scheme are heading towards 290,000, it has been revealed.

According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new registrations through the programme totalled 284,479 between May and December 2009 and the scheme accounted for 20.9 per cent of all new car registrations in December.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt commented that the incentive has provided an important boost to the UK motor industry and increased confidence among 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," he added.

"Alongside the economic benefits, the scheme has helped to promote the take-up of cleaner, safer and more fuel efficient vehicles."

Last week, studies by PricewaterhouseCoopers Autofacts suggested that new car sales in the UK will fall during 2010 but the drop is unlikely to be as dramatic as some commentators have predicted.

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