Scrappage scheme jump-starts new car sales business

THE scrappage scheme is thought to have jump-started new car sales figures, which have taken a positive U-turn after months of recession.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) yesterday released the official figures for new cars registered in February 2010 which at, 12,306, are up 39% on the same period last year.

“We are extremely pleased with an increase of almost 40% in new car sales in February. While this is compared to a very low base in 2009, the figures are still very positive,” SIMI director general Alan Nolan said.