The threat of the scrappage scheme on older vehicles continues to loom large, with the announcement that Vauxhall is offering a minimum £4000 guaranteed scrappage allowance until the end of June.
The scheme, available on models including the Astra, Mokka X, Crossland X, Grandland X and Viva Rocks, offers the discount providing the car traded in is over seven years old. It will inevitably lead to fears that classics and emerging classics will be taken off the road, but Vauxhall has stressed there will be a silver lining.
Following a Maestro in a skip that was controversially used by a Vauxhall dealer in Suffolk as an advertising tool in 2016, Vauxhall responded to furore by saying older vehicles would be flagged up to the relevant classic car clubs, allowing them to buy spares. Thankfully, this policy will be continued.
“We will work with AutoGreen, our recycling partner, to make sure that any pre-1989 cars – Vauxhall, or not – that are passed through the scrappage programme are identified to us,” said Simon Hucknall, Vauxhall’s Head of Product PR and Heritage. “We will then contact the relevant owners’ club and make it aware, giving its members an early chance to secure valuable parts for their own cars.”
Scrappage fears were further compounded by a Nova saloon being used to promote scrappage by Evans Halshaw Vauxhall in Wolverhampton. However, it transpires the retailer has owned the car for five years and it’s not in danger. “They have promised to call me if ever they decide to sell the Nova, and if they do, I’ll let you know in case one of your readers would like to take it on,” added Simon.
