Vauxhall has launched its own swappage scheme but it can only be used on certain models and cannot be used in conjunction with the Government’s scrappage scheme discount.

Vauxhall Swappage offers customers at least £3,000 off all new Astras, Astra sport hatches and most new Corsa models, in exchange for any roadworthy car they own which is at least seven years old.

The Vauxhall Swappage scheme is running between February 5 and March 31, 2010 at participating dealers and will help sell certain models for the brand during the all important plate change month.

There is no upper age limit imposed by Vauxhall’s initiative and buyers who have a 10 year old car (or older) to swap only need to have owned it for 90 days – and dealers will also allow a husband/wife to trade in their partner’s car, as long as they live at the same address.

That means that any seven-year-old UK –registered car with insurance, road tax and MoT – no matter what its value or condition – can be used gain the discount.

The end of the scrappage scheme has divided car manufacturers with some opting to develop their own schemes like Vauxhall, Toyota and Hyundai. Other manufacturers like Kia and Ford are strong supporters of the scheme, but are choosing to move on and return more of a standard retail sale structure.