The government scrappage scheme, which officially ended today (March 31st), has saved around 4,000 jobs in the automotive sector, it has been claimed.

At least 330,000 cars have been sold as part of the scheme, which was implemented after the Budget 2009 to provide a short-term boost to the new car market during the economic downturn.

Business secretary Lord Mandelson said he was "pleased" to see the result the government wanted when it first introduced the initiative.

The government put around £400 million into funding for the scheme, which paid consumers £2,000 to trade in their old car, which was at least ten years old, for a new, greener model.

According to Jonathan Visscher, media manager at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the scheme was responsible for 20 per cent of average new car sales.

He said the initiative had boosted green credentials, putting more eco-friendly cars on UK roads.

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