Auto Trader : Volkswagen Golf owners lead the demand for car scrappage schemes

October 24, 2017

Volkswagen Golf owners lead the demand for car scrappage schemes

• Volkswagen Golf is most popular model processed by Auto Trader's new online scrappage tool
• Ford is the most popular brand, making up 33% of top ten make/models submitted
• Ford scrappage scheme is also most popular with motorists considering scrappage
• Of the 17,000 car registrations submitted to the tool so far, Auto Trader reports on an even split for diesel (51%) and petrol (49%)

Auto Trader's new online scrappage tool: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-scrappage-schemes

London, 24 October 2017- Auto Trader, the UK's largest automotive marketplace for new and used cars, reports that the Volkswagen Golf is currently the most popular car owned by motorists considering manufacturer scrappage schemes.

Car manufacturers are yet to report on the success of the newly available scrappage schemes, but early data from Auto Trader's recently launched online scrappage tool, gives some early insights into the most popular cars being considered for scrappage, the fuel type mix, and the manufacturer scrappage schemes that are currently most in demand by UK car owners.

Almost 17,000 car owners have already used Auto Trader's online scrappage tool since its launched a week ago, which promptly alerts motorists of the scrappage schemes they would qualify for by simply entering the car's registration number.

The online tool tracks all current 17 manufacturer scrappage schemes in real time, giving motorists clear and relevant information on the schemes that their vehicle is eligible for. Motorists can then seamlessly browse new make and models with that manufacturer through Auto Trader's new car editorial pages and virtual stock listings. The online tool automatically updates with changes or developments made to schemes on offer, and will be promoted on the Auto Trader homepage, accessible to motorists at the very start of their car buying and selling journey.

Of the top ten make/models currently being processed by Auto Trader's online scrappage tool, the Volkswagen Golf makes up 17% of the top 10 make/models, with Volkswagen as a brand accounting for 30% of the top models, as Golf stablemates the Passat and Polo also feature in the top ten.

But in contrast, when it came to car manufacturer brands, Ford was the most popular for motorists considering using their vehicle for a scrappage scheme. Ford made up 33% of the top ten most popular models used by Auto Trader's online tool so far, with the Ford Focus, Fiesta and Mondeo all featuring in the top ten.

Most popular cars processed by Auto Trader's online scrappage tool

1. Volkswagen Golf

2. Ford Focus

3. Vauxhall Astra

4. Ford Fiesta

5. Vauxhall Corsa

6. BMW 3 Series

7. Volkswagen Polo

8. Ford Mondeo

9. Honda Civic

10. Volkswagen Passat

Surprisingly, despite the announcements of all 17 of the manufacturer scrappage schemes coming at a time of such scrutiny for diesel vehicles, data from Auto Trader's online scrappage tool reveals that of the c.17,000 car registrations being submitted by motorists, there was an even-split for diesel (51%) and petrol (49%) vehicles.

The new scrappage tool was developed and launched by Auto Trader following the publication of its September Market Report, which revealed a state of confusion with motorists when it comes to understanding the recent diesel debate and the best courses of action for concerned diesel owners.

49% of recent car buyers claim that the continued debate on fuel has made the car buying process more challenging, and Auto Trader's scrappage tool will offer consumers clarity on their cars eligibility across all manufacturer scrappage schemes, offering full transparency on finance offers and scheme criteria.

Ian Plummer, Manufacturer and Agency Director, Auto Trader, commented: 'As we saw in our recent Market Report, the current focus of the fuel debate is leaving motorists confused and concerned around the future of diesel. At the heart of this is a lack of understanding on the differences between modern Euro 6 vehicles and older diesels. Scrappage schemes are an important channel to help educate consumers on these differences, and as the UK's largest digital market place for new and used cars, the introduction of our scrappage tool will help extend the reach to millions of engaged car buyers.

'Dealers should be prepared to capitalise on the increased number of motorists looking to replace their cars with a new one, as well as play an important role in consumer education. Inform them of how the various scrappage schemes work, explain the differences between old diesels and new ones, and above all, help provide clarity around the current fuel debate.'

Auto Trader's online scrappage tool also offers insight into which manufacturer scrappage schemes are currently most in demand by car owners. Ford was front of mind for most users of the scrappage tool, making up nearly 20% (18.9%) of the c.17,000 motorists that clicked through to learn more about the scrappage schemes that their car was eligible for.

Manufacturer scrappage scheme	% of total engagement with scrappage tool users
FORD	18.9%
TOYOTA	12.6%
AUDI	9.9%
MAZDA	7.8%
RENAULT	6.7%
HYUNDAI	6.1%
VOLKSWAGEN	5.7%
PEUGEOT	5.7%
KIA	5.2%
CITROEN	5.2%
DS AUTOMOBILES	3.7%
DACIA	3.0%
BMW	2.4%
SKODA	2.3%
MERCEDES-BENZ	2.2%
SEAT	1.3%
MINI	0.6%

The new online Auto Trader scrappage tool can be accessed at: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-scrappage-schemes, and will be live and operational until all car manufacturer scrappage schemes come to an end.

About Auto Trader

Auto Trader Group plc is the UK and Ireland's largest digital automotive marketplace. Auto Trader sits at the heart of the UK's vehicle buying process and its primary activity is to help vehicle retailers compete effectively on the marketplace in order to sell more vehicles, faster. Auto Trader listed on the London Stock Exchange in March 2015 and is now a member of the FTSE 250 Index.

The marketplace brings together the largest and most engaged consumer audience. Auto Trader has over 90% prompted brand awareness and attracts an average of 60 million monthly cross platform visits a month, with circa 70% of visits coming through mobile devices.

The marketplace also has the largest pool of vehicle sellers (listing more than 470,000 cars each day). Over 80% of UK automotive retailers advertise on autotrader.co.uk.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Samantha Jones, Amaze, [e-mail]

Laura Hunt, Amaze, [e-mail]

Andrew Nankervis, Senior PR Manager, [e-mail]

Auto Trader Press Office, [e-mail], 02037477038