The RAA who represents 22 independent motor dealer groups with a combined turnover of £2.5 billion a year has this afternoon welcomed the announcement today in the Chancellor’s UK Budget introducing a vehicle scrappage scheme in mid May.

Marc Matthew the RAA Chairman who is also Chairman of Lifestyle Europe Limited said:

“The announcement that the scrappage scheme will go ahead is a huge boost for the UK’s automotive business and something that the RAA has been lobbying government for since witnessing the success in Germany – sales there this year have been up between 30 and 40% year on year.  It’s one of the firm commitments to come out of the budget today and one that will truly benefit the economy.  This isn’t just about green motoring or propping up a UK manufacturing base it’s simply about giving consumer confidence a boost, reassuring the customer who may have been putting off the purchase of a new car or van because of the economic climate which will help get business flowing again.  It’s a real positive step and customers can be certain that we will adopt this scheme with open arms, linking it with some really great deals on award winning vehicles from the manufacturers our shareholders represent. Customers will also benefit from reduced VAT costs until the end of this year. Simply has never been a better time to buy a new vehicle”

For further information about the RAA, please contact Dean Bradford - Tel: 01293 516 123 or email: dean.bradford@retailautomotivealliance.co.uk