The government, or actually the previous government to the one we have now, introduced a
'scrappage' scheme in 2009 whereby anyone trading in an old car and buying an energy
efficient model would have to pay less tax. Many motor manufacturers offered their
own discounts as did the dealers. The scheme, which was aimed at giving the struggling
motor industry a boost, ended on Thursday. There was a last minute scramble as
motorists jumped at the opportunity of trading in their old bangers for a new car at
an unmissable price. I was one of them and have become the proud owner of my
first brand new car.