The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has contested claims from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) over a ‘potential shortage in availability of the lowest emission new cars’ in 2009.
Among other reasons, a BVRLA spokesman told BusinessCar.co.uk that the scrappage schemes introduced in some European countries encouraged drivers to buy new low-CO2 models and therefore reducing availability, particularly among executive brands and models.
But a spokesman for the SMMT refuted the claim and told Business Car: “There is an ever-increasing number of low-emissions vehicles coming to market. In the current economic situation it is unlikely that there will be a shortage of availability of new vehicles if there is the demand to purchase them.”
The publication reported that BMW and Audi had both confirmed that availability of their low-CO2 models was good. “Demand did outstrip supply for the A3e when we first launched it,” said an Audi spokesman. “But we have a much freer flow at the moment and we are not anticipating any supply issues going forward.”
A BMW spokesman also confirmed waiting times were at normal levels, with cars being delivered within 12 weeks of order.
Read the full article here: Business Car
