Ford scrappage scheme will no longer see historic vehicles automatically scrapped

Ford has changed the terms and conditions of its scrappage scheme to offer hope to classic cars traded in under the initiative.

It was also confirmed that the initiative would be extended into the first quarter of 2018, following its success.

The scheme has proved incredibly popular since it was introduced in August, offering customers up to £4,950 off a new model when they trade in an older, more polluting vehicle.

However, the original terms said that any vehicles registered before January 1, 2010 would be eligible for trade-in and that they would all be scrapped.

This prompted an outcry from classic car enthusiasts after one customer traded in a 1959 Standard Ten for a new Ford Transit.

After pressure from car clubs and the press, Ford agreed not to scrap the car, but said it wouldn’t allow the classic vehicle back on the road.

The revised terms and conditions now state that from 2018, any vehicles that are “classified as ‘historic vehicles’ by the DVLA will not automatically be scrapped”.

Although the majority of car manufacturers in the UK have been offering customers money off new models when they trade in, a Press Association investigation last month revealed that Ford’s scrappage scheme was the most successful.

Of the manufacturers that responded to the Press Association’s requests for scrappage figures, the Blue Oval was found to have scrapped 8,088 cars between September and November, placing it considerably ahead of second-place Toyota’s figure of 2,141.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “The Ford scrappage scheme has been so well received by our customers and I’m pleased to announce its extension into next year.

“We have an excellent product line-up and our scheme is applicable to one of the broadest ranges of vehicles, including the segment-leading Ford Ranger.

“We continue to carry strong sales momentum as we move towards the end of the year. Our CV sales growth was particularly positive in an increasingly challenging market.

“It’s also rewarding to see the all-new Fiesta strengthening its leadership position as we continue the launch of the full model range, with Fiesta Active and ST still to come to complete the line-up of our most technologically advanced Fiesta ever.”