Government Responds to BPF Request to Extend Car Scrappage Scheme

On 28th September, Lord  Mandelson, responded to pressure from the British Plastics Federation and other related trade associations by announcing the extension of the car scrappage scheme to cover an additional 100,000 vehicles.

The scrappage scheme has been very successful both in terms of boosting the automotive and related industries during a very difficult period, and in getting newer, more efficient cars onto the road.

On 25th September, the BPF together with the EEF, CIA and other trade associations wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling to support the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ request to extend the Scrappage Scheme. In his speech announcing the extension of the scheme, Lord Mandelson acknowledged the role industry had played in requesting its extension.

The BPF welcomes the extension of the scheme as it will have a positive knock-on effect for the plastics sector. The modern car comprises approximately 11% plastics which contributes significantly to reducing weight and saving fuels. Using 100 kg can replace between 200 - 300 kg of traditional materials and over the average lifespan of a vehicle every 100kg of plastics used will reduce fuel consumption by 750 liters.

Peter Davis, BPF Director General says:

“We are delighted that Lord Mandelson is extending the Car Scrappage Scheme, it has during difficult times kept people in car showrooms and resulted in over 227,000 new cars being sold to people of ages. In addition, it has benefited the environment by taking an equivalent number of old, more polluting, cars off the road.”

ENDS
 
For further information on this press release, please contact Anthony Roberts, British Plastics Federation, 6 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JE, tel 020 7457 5043, fax 020 7457 5045, email: [email protected]
 
Notes for editors:
 
1) British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry - representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers.
2) For more information about the role of plastics in the automotive sector please visit https://www.bpf.co.uk/Innovation/Automotive.aspx