Ford is offering drivers at least £2,000 to scrap their old car or van and buy a new vehicle from the company.
The offer extends to owners of any make but only applies to pre-Euro 5 models.
Both petrol and diesel vehicles are eligible.
The scheme runs from 1 September to 31 December.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said:
“This is a shrewd commercial move by a company that has invested heavily in petrol and diesel technology.
“Ford is right that the majority of the very latest internal combustion engines are miles cleaner than their predecessors but without knowing where, when and how far the scrapped vehicles have been driven it is impossible to calculate the scheme’s positive impact on air quality in those very specific urban areas when the problem is at its worst.
“A key feature is the offer of good deals on vans which are often key contributors to air pollution and carbon emissions.
“The acid test is whether the savings on offer are enough to entice people and businesses who normally settle for second-hand vehicles to now trade up and buy new.”
ENDS
Contacts:
Philip Gomm – Head of External Communications – RAC Foundation
020 7747 3445 | 07711 776448 | [email protected] | 020 7389 0601 (ISDN)
Notes to editors:
The RAC Foundation is a transport policy and research organisation that explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and their users. The Foundation publishes independent and authoritative research with which it promotes informed debate and advocates policy in the interest of the responsible motorist.
The RAC Foundation is a registered charity, number 1002705.
All the Foundation’s work is available on its website: