Mini backs scrappage scheme

May 1 2009

Automaker MINI has supported the government's plans to introduce a scrappage scheme for old vehicles.

The company is urging UK motorists to consider taking up the offer of up to £2,000 to put towards a modern vehicle in return for scrapping their old model.

It is hoped the scheme will help boost the UK car industry, which has suffered the brunt of the economic recession, with many people choosing to buy used cars instead of new ones, or simply hanging on to their old cars for longer.

"Many owners of older cars will be delighted that a brand new Mini will be available soon at a more attractive price than they might have imagined," said Andy Hearn, UK general manager at Mini.

He added: "With close to 150 UK dealers and manufacturing bases in Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall, I am certain that British people will recognise the importance of Mini to the UK economy, particularly as this year we are celebrating half a century of Mini in Britain."

Chancellor Alistair Darling announced plans in his Budget to launch a scrappage scheme later this year that will see buyers able to swap old cars for £2,000, half of which will come from the government and the other half from the manufacturers themselves.

The scheme has already proved a hit in Germany, where the initial scheme launched at the end of January has had to be extended to keep up with demand.

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