Volkswagen Golf owners lead the demand for car scrappage schemes

Volkswagen Golf owners are the most likely to consider manufacturer scrappage schemes, according to data from Auto Trader.

Its recently launched online scrappage tool gives some early insights into the most popular cars being considered for scrappage, the fuel type mix, and the manufacturer scrappage schemes that are currently most in demand by UK car owners.

Almost 17,000 car owners have already used the tool since it launched a week ago, which promptly alerts motorists of the scrappage schemes they would qualify for by simply entering the car’s registration number.

Ian Plummer, manufacturer and agency director at Auto Trader, said: “The current focus of the fuel debate is leaving motorists confused and concerned around the future of diesel. At the heart of this is a lack of understanding on the differences between modern Euro 6 vehicles and older diesels.

“Dealers should be prepared to capitalise on the increased number of motorists looking to replace their cars with a new one, as well as play an important role in consumer education. Inform them of how the various scrappage schemes work, explain the differences between old diesels and new ones, and above all, help provide clarity around the current fuel debate.”

The online tool tracks all current manufacturer scrappage schemes, giving motorists information on the schemes that their vehicle is eligible for. Motorists can then seamlessly browse new makes and models with that manufacturer through Auto Trader’s website.

Of the top ten makes and models currently being processed by Auto Trader’s online scrappage tool, the Volkswagen Golf makes up 17%, with Volkswagen as a brand accounting for 30% of the top models.

But in contrast, when it came to car manufacturer brands, Ford was the most popular for motorists considering using their vehicle for a scrappage scheme. Ford made up 33% of the top ten most popular models used by Auto Trader’s online tool so far, with the Ford Focus, Fiesta and Mondeo all featuring in the top ten.

Despite the announcements of all 17 of the manufacturer scrappage schemes coming at a time of such scrutiny for diesel vehicles, data from Auto Trader’s online scrappage tool reveals that of the 17,000 car registrations being submitted by motorists, there was an even-split for diesel (51%) and petrol (49%) vehicles.

The new online Auto Trader scrappage tool can be accessed at: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-scrappage-schemes, and will be live and operational until all car manufacturer scrappage schemes come to an end.