Scrappage scheme registrations have almost reach the full limit of 400,000 units with the latest figure at 380,000 registered since the scheme began in May 2009.

Final scrappage scheme orders had to be placed by the end of March but the final 20,000 registrations are still to be delivered to customers.

Paul Everitt, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive, said: “The scheme has provided a hugely important stimulus to the market and leaves the industry in far better health than we saw in pre-scrappage 2009.

“Consumers will also benefit from the improved fuel efficiency, the latest safety features and cleaner tailpipe emissions available from the new vehicles purchased through the scheme.”

The scrappage scheme accounted for 12.2% of all new car registrations in March, a reduction of around 8% on the average monthly level, due to the scheme coming to an end in March.

Since May 2009 the scheme has accounted for 18.7% of total new car sales. For light commercial vehicles the figures are 3.2% and 3.7% respectively.