SIMI calls for extension of car scrappage scheme

MOTOR dealers have urged the Government to extend the car scrappage scheme beyond its deadline of December 2010 to protect a recent resurgence in the industry after a disastrous year for business in 2009.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has also called for a review of the vehicle registration system amid concerns that the current scheme results in the vast majority of cars being sold in the first six months of every year. It claims this is placing additional costs of €124m per year on the sector.

The SIMI also said the Government could raise much-needed revenue for local authorities by allowing motorists to re-register used cars in their own county name.