New car registrations through the scrappage scheme have almost hit the 300,000 limit with units at 284,479 between its inception in May last year and December.

The scheme accounted for 20.9% of all new car registrations in December’s total of 150,936 units, which was a rise of 38.9% compared to the same month in 2008.

LCV scrappage registrations over the May to December period totalled 4,494 units.

Paul Everitt, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “The scrappage scheme has helped significantly to increase new car registrations in each of the last six months, including a 38.9% increase in the December 2009 market.

“This has provided an important boost to the UK motor industry and greater confidence for consumers. The scheme will continue until the end of February and there is still an opportunity for around 85,000 more consumers to take advantage of it. Alongside the economic benefits, the scheme has helped to promote the take-up of cleaner, safer and more fuel efficient vehicles.”

Average CO2 emissions

New cars registered through the scheme had an average CO2 value of 133.3g/km. This was 9.8% below the 147.8g/km average of all new cars registered between May and December, and 26.9% below the average CO2 of the scrapped car.

The average CO2 emissions of an old car scrapped through the scheme is estimated to be 182.3g/km (based on weighted segment data for 1997 vintage cars, with the average age of scrapped vehicles being 12.8 years).