Hi,

I have just noticed on the Skoda UK website that they have a 'Happy Swapping' offer for cars over seven years old. Does anyone know if this this a new offer?

If so, is it going to replace the 'VAT Free' offer after 31st March?

Many thanks,

Matthew.

The government scrappage scheme ends 31st March, so I guess this is a replacement for that rather than the VAT free offer.

It's only really an advantage if you have a car to part ex which is worth less than £2k.

Skoda UK press release:

•Škoda UK offers post-scrappage scheme solution

•Manufacturer discounting new models by a minimum of £2000

•Cars aged seven years and over included in initiative

Following the success of the Government’s car scrappage scheme which ended in February 2010, Škoda UK has introduced its own ‘Happy Swapping’ initiative.

For those who missed out on the car scrappage scheme, Skoda is offering drivers who own a vehicle with a 52 registration or older, the chance to swap their old vehicle no matter the make or model. In return, the consumer will receive a minimum of £2,000 off their brand new Škoda, which means they could be driving home a Fabia from as little as £7,340 or the award-winning Superb from £14,165.

To be able to qualify, cars need to have a valid MOT certificate, with a minimum of three months remaining on it. They also need to be taxed and insured, driveable and the owner must have a UK address and have owned the car for at least three months.

Commenting, David Ovenden, Head of Škoda Operations, said: “The scrappage scheme was an extremely effective initiative, which gave drivers a strong incentive to replace their old and less efficient vehicles for a brand new one. Due to the fuel efficiency and excellent value of our cars, we found many new consumers which haven’t been in the market for a new car for many years, choosing a Škoda. With this in mind, we wanted to launch our own programme which would allow those, who narrowly missed out on the scrappage scheme, to still benefit. We are confident it will be a real success.”

Those interested in learning more about ‘Happy Swapping’ should visit their local Škoda retailer or visit www.skoda.co.uk for more details.

As expected, when the scrappage scheme ended, it leaves a black hole in private sales.

In an attempt to try and sustain artificial stimulii they will continue to offer this swappage scheme to attract the feeble minded.

In some ways its better in that its only a 7yr+ car owned for only 3 months, but anyone with half a brain (which I hope includes you!) should first see if a straight discount (be it called "VAT-free", "no part-ex", "this weekend special offer", etc etc) would in fact be a better deal. Dont lose sight of the fact that a 7 year old car might be worth £2k+ sold privately....

Marketing,marketing.........do they realise they've already sold what would have been sold next year? Has the penny dropped?