The Retail Automotive Alliance (RAA) has added its support to continue the government’s scrappage scheme presently in place by writing to Lord Mandelson Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills.

The RAA represents 22 independent motor dealer groups with a combined turnover of £2.5 billion a year.

Representing 70% of the franchises involved in the scheme, the RAA shareholders and board of directors feel the continuation is important to retain showroom momentum to sell affordable vehicles to consumers and support new environmental products onto the roads of the UK.

Marc Matthew, RAA chairman and also chairman of dealer group Lifestyle Europe, said: “We are enjoying success from the jointly funded scheme which has encouraged a new profile of customer into the showrooms which in turn is supporting business growth and building motivation in our sales teams.

"It has supported longer term employment which is a key objective in these trading conditions. Employment security is hugely important at this present time.

"We sincerely hope that Lord Mandelson continues his undertaking to our industry with an extension to the scheme”.