German car sales rise 21 percent; UK to launch vehicle scrappage plan?
Vehicle scrapping plans are likely to get lots of attention now that Germany's program has proven so effective. Last month, sales in Germany, Europe's largest new car market, surged by 21 percent, which is an amazing figure considering the current state of the global economy. Much of this uptick in sales can be attributed to a new program that Germany introduced that pays new car buyers 2,500 euros to trade in and scrap their old cars, just so long as the displaced vehicle is at least nine years old.
Officials from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in the United Kingdom are now urging their government to adopt a program similar to the one introduced in Germany. UK car sales were down by nearly 22 percent last month and almost a third so far for the year. It's logically assumed that the fleet of vehicles on the road would be cleaner and more efficient if older models were replaced with new vehicles that meet the latest environmental requirements.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd | Photo: Patrick Dockens]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jharlan 6:26PM (3/05/2009)
Talk about economic stimulus, why didn't Obama think of this before GM ch 11?
Reply
dm789 1:57AM (3/07/2009)
They did try to use this plan but Mazda complain because Mazda felt this is a protectionist policy which is bull because Honda,Toyota,Hyundai,Nissan BMW Mercedes they all have plants here in USA. Yes the proposed plan must buy car that is assembled here in USA and have 5mpg better than the car/SUV/truck they scrap.