Registration of cars traded in through the scrappage scheme accounted for 19.6 per cent of new car sales in February, it has been reported.

By the end of February, 324,991 of all new cars registered had been through the government-funded initiative, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Chief executive of the SMMT, Paul Everitt, said the scheme had provided "vital stimulus during a difficult period".

The scheme was introduced by the government after the Budget last year to boost the car industry on a short-term basis.

Funding for the initiative, which gives buyers a £2,000 discount off their new car, is set to stop at the end of this month.

Not only has the scheme helped new car sales but it has also reduced carbon emissions too.

New cars registered through scrappage produced an average CO2 value of 132.7g/km.

This figure is 9.9 per cent lower than the average emissions of cars registered between May 2009 and February 2010, which was calculated to be 147.3g/km.

Please share your thoughts

You must be logged in to post a comment.