The Hard Truth About Scrappage Schemes.

By John Vincent

Many of you will already be aware of the Scrappage schemes which were recently introduced by various governments across America and Europe. These schemes offer large trade-in discounts on vehicles over 10 years old against the purchase of price brand new cars. Following completion of the deal the older vehicle has to be scrapped and in most cases crushed.

These Scrappage schemes have all been hailed for addressing environmental concerns. Some regions even state emissions requirements for the new vehicles being bought.

The motor trade is of course fully supportive of the schemes as well. They also quote environmental motives through spokesmen such as the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd's chief executive who stated recently that, "smaller, lower CO2-emitting cars are taking the lion's share of registrations, which will have a positive impact in reducing emissions..."

But let's be honest. These schemes aren't really about saving the environment now are they? That's just a pretty decoration to make the real scheme seem more attractive. The reality is that it takes more energy to manufacturer just one new vehicle than it does to run a 10 year old heap for an additional 100,000 miles. These schemes are designed for an entirely different purpose. They were designed to boost flagging economies.

I'm not trying to say that governments aren't fully acquainted with reality, even though some do. I think that our leaders are fully aware of the consequences of their decisions. I just don't believe their priorities or their motives are environmental. Not even slightly. All the democratic governments of the western world are elected because of money and so that is where their rationale stays.

But getting the dirty old bangers with stinking black exhaust fumes is a good thing I hear people cry and I have to agree. But Scrappage isn't the answer. The people who drive dangerous heaps on a shoestring budget are quite simply not the target audience of the schemes no are they? People close to the poverty line can't afford to buy brand new cars even with a 10% reduction in purchase price no can they?

So who are the target audience and who will benefit from these schemes? It's the middle income earners who have been 'putting off' buying a new car for a few months or even years. The reason they haven't yet taken the plunge is because their old and faithful workhorse family car has been serviced regularly since they bought it and is consequently reasonably reliable. In actual fact they've probably been waiting for an excuse for years but can't quite justify the expense. But that's the rub isn't it? Their daily drivers are exactly the kind of car we should be encouraging to keep on the road if we're going to continue driving at all. Because running one for several years more does less global damage than building a brand new one.

So when you feel guilty about ruining the environment because your car is a little bit older than some and maybe does 5mpg less than your neighbour's new one, stop for a minute and take a breath. If you are truly green in motive you need to ignore the hype and keep on trucking with your old faithful. But if you want to cash in on a recession busting incentive and get that new car you've been considering for years, now's the time. - 21393

About the Author:

John Vincent is fighting for freedom, liberty and space for his bikes. In his spare time he also writes a blog of his own and contributes to another.